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A 


FO'R'BX/SH 


International  Order 
Knights  qf  King  Arthur 


Orders  for  this  h&ndbook,  or  outfits  for  Cftstles  cti^  all 
correspondence  pertaining  to  the  Kni^ts  nf  King  Arthur 
must  be  addressed  to 

FRANK  LINCOLN  MASSECK 

Potsdam.  New  York,  U.  S.  A. 


The 
Round 


Boys' 

Table 


FO'R'B\/SH 


International  Order 
Knights  qf  King  Arthur 


Orders  for  this  handbook,  or  outfits  for  Castles  an^  &II 
correspondence  perta^inin^  to  the  Knij^hts  gf  King  Arthur 
must  be  addressed  to 

FRANK  LINCOLN  MASSECK 
Potsdam.  New  York,  U.  S.  A. 


THE 

BOYS'  ROUND  TABLE 

^ 

P 

A  MANUAL  OF  BOYS'  CLUBS 

^ 

i- 

4 

P 

EXPLAINING 

THE   ORDER    OF   THE 

CNG-TSofKNGAR-'HUR 

I  UNIVERSITY   ll     • 

V                   OF 

BY 

WILLIAM    BYRON    FORBUSH 

PUBLISHED    BY 

KNIGHTS    OP    KING    ARTHUR 

i9or 

FIFTH  EDITION 

«^rESE 


Copyright,  1902 

By  Augustus   S.  Brandow 

All  Rights  Reserved 


Copyright,  1907 

BY 

William  Byron  Forbush  and  Frank  Lincoln  Magseck 


PBBSS   OF 
BBANDOW~PmNTING    COMPANT 

ALBANT,    N.    T. 


P\iblisher's    Note 


This  book  describes  interesting  forms  of  social  work 
with  boys,  which  were  originated  or  improved  by 
Dr.  Forbush,  and  of  which  the  periodical,  Work  With 
Boys,  is  the  official  representative.  This  manual  is  for 
leaders.  It  takes  the  place  of  four  former  editions  of 
the  handbook  of  the  Knights  of  King  Arthur.  Boy 
members  need  only  the  supplementary  forms  which  we 
furnish  each  castle. 

In  spreading  knowledge  of  the  Captains  of  Ten  and 
of  the  Knights  of  King  Arthur  we  feel  that  we  are  offer- 
ing an  important  contribution  to  the  problem  of  what  to  do  with  boys 
in  the  community,  on  the  street  and  in  the  church.  *'Dr.  Forbush  has," 
so  says  President  G.  Stanley  Hall  of  this  King  Arthur  movement,  "a 
positive  genius  for  organizing  and  has  been  with  boys  and  done  work 
with  them  hardly  less  than  epoch-making  in  significance."  In  "The 
Boy  Problem,"  now  in  its  sixth  edition,  he  has  written  the  first  book 
that  covers  the  theory  and  practice  of  social  work  with  boys.  He 
supplements  that  study  by  giving  in  this  manual  definite  instructions 
as  to  methods  of  work. 

We  ask  our  readers  to  note  the  following 
announcement.  Dr.  Forbush  is  President  of  the 
General  Alliance  of  Workers  with  Boys  and  is 
glad  to  answer  questions  regarding  work  with 
boys  of  every  sort,  but  Sir  Pendragon,  who  has 
furnished  valued  help  in  the  revision  of  this 
book,  now  has  all  the  Castles  in  his  personal  charge, 
receives  enrollments  for  the  Order  and  attends  to 
special  inquiries  or  any  difficulties  as  to  the  work, 
apparatus  ^for  Castles  are  to  be  ordered  directly  of 

Frank  Lincoln  Masseck, 

Potsdam,  N.  Y. 


This  book  and  all 


164809 


ARMING  THE  YOUNG  KNIGHT 


A  Messatge  to  Boys 

By  the  Founder  of  the  Knights  of  King  Arthur 

^5)ELLOWS,  don't  you  ever  wish  you  were  living  in  the  age  of 
r*      chivalry  ? 

To  ride  out  in  the  sunshine  of  flashing  armor  in  company  with 
brave  adventure-seeking  comrades,  on  noble  quests,  to  dash  into  the 
tournament  and  fight  for  glory  and  then  to  sit  at  the  great  Round 
Table  before  the  splendid  throne  of  the  "  Flower  of  Kings" — those 
were  fine  days  I 

It  was  a  happy  thought  that  about  fourteen  years  ago  suggested  a 
partial  fulfillment  of  old  King  Arthur's  prophecy  that  he  would  return 
to  the  world  again,  when  some  sturdy  lads,  descended  from  Anglo- 
Saxon  stock  over  here  in  the  New  England  across  the  sea,  founded  a 
new  Round  Table  and  called  themselves  Knights  of  King  Arthur. 

They,  too,  had  a  king  and  a  Merlin  counselor,  though  not  one  of 
"uncounted  winters"  like  the  old  magician.  Beside  their  throne  was  a 
mystic  Siege  Perilous  to  which  the  bravest  and  best  of  their  number 
might  be  elected  to  sit  by  his  peers.  They  had  swords  too,  and  banners, 
and  they  wore  the  white  cross.  They  promised,  as  their  ancient  fathers 
once  did,  "to  serve  their  King  and  their  conscience  and  follow  all  that 
makes  a  man."     And  this  they  did  in  careful  imitation  of  the  old  orders, 


beginning  as  pages  dressed  in  shabby  clotnes  and  bearing  their  humility 
and  the  jokes  of  their  superiors  as  best  they  could,  serving  some  time 
as  brisk  and  useful  esquires  and  many  of  them  at  last,  after  thought- 
fulness  and  fasting,  receiving  the  white  baldric  as  belted  knights. 

Thousands  of  boys,  some  of  them  already  young  men  of  achieve- 
ment, are  to-day  enrolled  in  the  order.  The  lists  are  still  open.  Even 
the  solitary  boy  who  cannot  form  a  castle  can  be  one  of  the  order  and 
in  his  own  play  and  work  and  study  take,  as  the  others  have,  some 
knightly  name  as  his  own  and -try  to  be  the  finest  thing  on  earth— a 
Gentle  Man.  Sometirne  when  there  are  other  thousands  added  and  the 
new  chivalry  has  had  time  to  find  its  quest,  there  will  be  a  chivalrous 
kingdom  of  knightly-hearted  men  in  the  Grec^  Republic  and  many 
wrongs  will  be  righted  by  the  hands  of  lads  vi^o  wear  a  tiny  white 
cross  above  their  hearts. 

Do  you  like  the  vision  ? 

I  like  to  think  of  an  American  Prince  arming  himself  for  the  battle 
of  life  from  crown  to  foot,  his  greaves  buckled  on  by  a  sweet-spirited 
mother  while  a  watching  sister  stands  near  and  breathes  a  gentle  prayer. 
He  goes  forth  with  a  mind  that  thinks  naught  unclean,  a  heart  cheerful 
for  every  fate,  a  body  supple  and  quick  and  strong,  a  will  masterful 
but  controlled,  a  soul  reverent  and  watchful.  Into  the  fight  he  goes. 
He  may  be  hit  hard,  but  he  never  turns  back,  his  sword  fails,  he  grasps 
up  one  dropped  by  some  craven's  hand  and  wins  with  it.  For  all  high 
causes,  for  all  that  sweet  womanhood  holds  holy,  for  all  who  are  weak 
and  helpless,  his  colors  and  his  arm  are  at  the  front.  He  must,  he  will 
conquer.     In  the  sign  for  which  he  fights,  victory  is  sure. 

And  then  the  glorious  comradeship  of  it  all!  To  know  that  the 
other  fellow  far  away  is  fighting  the  same  battleand  to  dare  be  as  brave 
as  he!     What  is  that  song  I  have  heard  the  young  knights  sing? 

"By  communion  of  the  banner, 
Crimson,  white  and  starry  banner, 
By  the  baptism  of  the  banner, 
Children  of  the  Flag  are  we. 

By  our  bright  cross-hilted  sword-blades, 
By    our    flashing,    heaven-bathed    sword- 
blades, 
By  our  circled,  comrade  sword-blades, 
Warriors  of  the  King  we  be. 

Comrades,  hail  the  Cross  that  leads  us, 
Comrades,  hail  the  Grail  that  beckons. 
Comrades,  hail  the  War  that  waits  us. 
Knights  of  holy  chivalry." 


Contents 


PAGB 

Publisher's  Note 3 

A  Message  to  Boys 5 

The  Captains  of  Ten     .........  9 

The  Order  of  the  Knights  of  King  Arthur: 

Its  Plan,  Methods  and  History 10 

A  Constitution,  with  Explanations             .        v.         .         .  13 

A  Ritual  for  Conducting  a  Conclave          .         .         .         .         .  17 

The  First  Degree 19 

The  Second  Degree    .         . 22 

The  Third  Degree      . 24 

The  Siege  Perilous  and  the  Peerage            .         .         .         .         .  28 

How  to  Conduct  a  Castle 31 

Music  in  Castle  Meetings            .         .         .         .         .         .         .  37 

Form  for  Instituting  Castles .  42 

The  International  Order  of  the  Knights  of  King  Arthur            .  43 

Bibliography  and  Art 44 

Price  list  of  Apparatus  for  the  Work         .         ,         .         .         .  46 

Endorsements   . 47 

The  General  Alliance  of  Workers  with  Boys          ....  48 


O^HE  Captains  of  Ten  is  a  handicraft 
\^  plan  for  club  work  with  boys  in 
churches.  It  was  devised  by  Miss 
A.  B.  Mackintire  and  has  had  a  con- 
tinuous, successful  trial  in  Dr.  McKenzie's 
church,  Cambridge,  for  s>eventeen  years. 
I  outline  it  here  because  it  is  very  sug- 
gestive to  those  who  desire  t«>  use  some 
freer  form  of  work  with  boys.  It  fur- 
nishes a  most  excellent  preparatory  depart- 
ment to  younger  boys  not  old  enough  to 
enter  the  Knights  of  Kmg  Arthur.  The 
Captains  of  Ten  are  captams  of  their  ten 
fingers.  Their  watchword  is  "loyalty." 
Their  motto  is  "The  hand  of  the  diligent 
shall  bear  rule,  but  the  hand  of  the  slothful 
shall  be  under  tribute."  The  membership 
is  from  eight  to  fourteen  years  of  age. 

The  boys  under  Miss  Mackintire's  di- 
rection have  engaged  in  various  kinds  of 
work,  sloyd,  weaving,  whittling,  cardboard 
work,  wood-carving,  etc.  There  is  a  monthly 
business  meeting  and  a  missionary  meeting. 
The  boys  give  to  some  missionary  object 
in  which  they  take  interest,  the  products 
of  their  hand  work  being  sold  annually  for 
the  purpose.  They  also  give  an  annual  en- 
tertainment, usually  in  the  form  of  his- 
toric  tableaux   of  a   dignified   but   original 


character.  They  have  also  an  annual  field 
day.  A  group  picture  is  taken  each  year, 
and  these  asserpbled  photographs  are  very 
interesting.  The  older  boys  either  do  ad- 
vanced work  or  else  act  as  helpers  to 
Miss  Mackintire.  At  about  fourteen  they 
are  graduated  into  the  Knights  of  King 
Arthur.  There  is  no  Junior  Endeavor 
Society  in  that  church,  but  the  influence  of 
the  leader  is  such  upon  character  that  the 
boys  seem  to  ripen  naturally  into  a  Chris- 
tian life  and  most  of  them  eventually  be- 
come members  of  the  church.  If  it  be 
true,  as  the  psychologists  are  telling 
us,  that  the  secret  of  will  power  is  in 
muscular  activity,  and  that  moral  vigor 
rests  upon  interest  and  especially  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  others,  then  work  by  such 
a  method  should  not  be  neglected  by  those 
desirous  of  forming  in  boys  a  manly  type 
of  Christianity.  The  plan  is  not  a  pre- 
scribed scheme,  and  has  no  printed 
matter.  The  essentials  are  (i)  a  good 
and  wise  leadership,  (2)  some  kind  of 
handicraft,  (3)  work  for  others.  Those 
who  use  such  a  method  are  of  course 
not  obliged  to  take  this  name,  but  it 
would  be  helpful  if  such  clubs  would 
write  Miss  Mackintire  so  they  may  be 
put  into  helpful  correspondence  with 
each  other.  Miss  Mackintire's  address  is 
51    Avon   Hill   St.,   Cambridge,   Mass. 

0 


The  Order  of  the   Knights  of  King  Arthur 


Its  Plan,  Methods  and  History 


^^HIS  plan  for  working  with  boys  has  the 
\2)  advantage  of  being  built  upon  founda- 
tions of  both  practice  and  theory.  The 
methods  were  worked  out  with  earnest  care 
in  view  of  pressing  needs  as  seen  succes- 
fively  in  village,  large  town,  small  city  and 
large  city  before  any  special  thought  was 
given  as  to  whether  they  were  in  accord- 
ance with  the  philosophy  of  chiid-life  and 
of  educational  principles.  Since  the  sec- 
ond edition  of  the  handbook  was  written 
a  very  rhorough  study  of  pedagogical  sci- 
ence has  been  made,  while  all  the  other 
I^ans    for   helping  boys   have   been   exam- 


ined, and  the  idea  has  been  worked  over 
from  the  standpoint  of  theory,  so  that .  it 
is  believed  that  the  methods  advocated  are 
educationally  sound,  peculiarly  applicable 
tc  boys,  enriched  by  the  best  from  other 
plans  and  practicable  for  actual  needs  and 
opportunities. 

It  is  an  order  of  Christian  knighthood 
for  boys.  It  is  based  upon  the  model  of  9 
college  fraternity  arid  not  upon  that  of  a 
secret  lodge.  It  takes  its  spirit,  terms  and 
ways  from  our  noblest  Anglo-Saxon 
legend,    the    finest    product    of    mediaeval 


chivalry,  reanimated  and  spiritualized  by 
the  greatest  Victorian  poet,  and  it  makes 
a  happy  association  with  the  prophecy  of 
the  noble  Arthur  that  he  shall  return 
again  by  assuming  that  in  the  organization, 
ideals  and  activities  of  this  order  he  has 
returned  to  bring  back  to  the  world,  and 
especially  to  its  youth,  chivalry,  courtesy, 
deference  to  womanhood,  recognition  of 
the  noblesse  oblige,  and  Christian  daring. 
Philosophically,  the  plan  appeals  to  boys 
a?  they  enter  that  hero-loving,  adventure- 
some, romantic  age  of  adolescence  with  its 
sensitiveness,  dangers  and  crisis,  and  be- 
comes a  very  intimate  and  potent  force  by 
its  appeal  to  the -dramatic,  constructive  and 
play  instincts  and  the  lad's  love  of  heroics, 
parade  and  fraternal  organization.  As 
such,  it  forms  an  antidote  to  the  ideals  of 
the  "gang"  by  making  boys  knights  instead 
of  banditti  or  mock  frontiersmen. 

The  boy  of  Ihis  age  is,  according  to 
Joseph  Lee,  the  city  playground  philan- 
thropist, not  only  in  the  knightly  era,  but 
he  is  just  passing  from  the  level  of  Sir 
Lancelot,  the  knight  errant,  the  hero  of 
single  combat,  to  that  of  Arthur,  the 
loyal  King.  He  needs,  so  Mr.  Lee  sug- 
gests, like  the  pages  of  old,  to  be  placed 
in  charge  of  esquires  but  a  few  years  older, 
to  learn  knightly  habits  and  then  sent  to 
the  knight's  castle  to  learn  knightly  id^ls. 
In  our  Order  this  is  actually  done.  The 
rank  ot  esquire  stands  with  us  for  the 
level  of  habit;  that  of  knight,  for  that  of 
ideal.  The  boy  receives  both  the  com- 
panionship of  other  lads  of  his  own  age 
and  older  and  of  young  men  who  are 
chivalrously  willing  to  be  of  service  to  him. 
In  these  fellowships  he  becomes  not  the 
"fag"  of  the  English  school  nor  the  victim 
of  the  American  "gang,"  but  the  younger 
brother  of  lads  of  principle  and  ambition. 
In  individual  character  the  influence  of  the 
plan  works  in  subtle  but  positive  ways.  It 
gives  that  romance  to  life  which  is  craved 
at  this  era  and  yet  also  the  immediate 
opportunities  to  make  it  into  realities.  The 
boy  calls  himself  knight,  prince.  Well,  he 
must  start  out  and  be  one.     This  idealizing 


KNIGHTS    OF    KING    ARTHUR 


of  one's  possibilities,  steadied  by  the  con- 
stant insistence  on  mutual  and  minute  obli- 
gations, gives  a  sell-trust  that  is  whole- 
some, corrects  some  of  the  repressions  of 
a  false  education  and,  with  the  highest 
summits  of  the  order  always  looming  a 
little  ahead,  prevents  that  priggishness  and 
self  sufficiency  characteristic  of  some  other 
methods.  A  good  ideal  lifts  a  boy  out  of 
the  slough  of  circumstances  and  is  a  firmer 
stay  against  temptation  than  precepts  or 
pledges.  One  can  hardly  find  so  many 
sound  and  lasting  elements  of  character- 
making,  with  the  fancy  and  incentive  added, 
as  in  this  historic  and  elastic  idea.  The 
order  is  in  harmony  with  the  recent  in- 
sistence on  the  organization  of  boys  of 
this  age  apart  from  girls  and,  though  ap- 
parently more  indirect,  it  has  afforded  re- 
lief to  many  who,  desiring  to  do  religious 
work  with  boys,  found  the  more  formal 
passive  or  devotional  means  of  religious 
nurture  inefficient. 

The  first  Castle  was  founded  by  the 
author  in  the  Congregational  parsonage  at 
Riverside,  East  Providence.  Rhode  Island, 
February  lo,  1893.  The  order  has  been 
fortunate  in  having  a  slow  and  healthy 
growth.  No  attempt  has  been  made  to  ad- 
vertise it  widely.  No  statistics  have  been 
gathered.  It  has  been  quite  often  imitated 
and  many  Castles  have  been  formed  that 
never  enrolled  with  the  founder.  It  has 
found  a  home  in  most  of  the  great  denom- 
inations,- in  nearly  all  the  States  of  the 
Union  and  in  Canada  and  England.  While 
most  of  the  Castles  have  been  organized 
and  have  met  in  churches,  many  have  rep- . 
resented  union  effort  or  philanthropies  out- 
side churches  and  it  is  known  that 
Castles  have  been  organized  to  help  such 
diverse  needs  as  those  of  Mormons,  Esqui- 
maux, Indians,  mine  boys,  street  arabs 
and  plantation  negroes. 

The  order  is  not  so  much  a  move- 
ment as  a  method.  Just  as  a  Chris- 
tian Endeavor  Society  uses  hymn  books, 
as  a  Y.  M.  C.  A.  uses  the  gymnasium,  so 
either  may  use  this  order.  The  modest  yet 
bold  statement  is  made  that  the  knightly 
idea  applied  to  adolescent  boys  is  too  effi- 
cient a  tool  to  be  tied  up  to  one  society 
that  has  memberships,  conventions  and 
rules    which    make    it    distinct    from    other 


societies.  So  this  order  does  not  have  con- 
ventions, except  local  alliances.  And  the 
founder  urges  that — as  names  are  of  little 
account — those  who  use  his  ideas,  while  for 
mutual  help  they  enroll  themselves  in  this 
order,  take  as  their  public  name  that  of 
Christian  Endeavor,  Epworth  League,  or 
whatever  is  the  chief  social  organization 
of  young  people  in  their  church.  The  En- 
deavor Society  allows  boys  and  clubs  that 
are  preparatorj'  to  their  own  society  to  be 
known  as  Junior  Endeavor  Societies,  and 
I  think  it  often  desirable  that  the  Knights 
of  King  Arthur  should  also  be  called  Junior 
or  Intermediate  Endeavorers.  This  saves 
the  multiplication  of  organizations  and 
feeds  the  older  society  with  graduates  of 
our  knighthood. 

The  plan  has  been  criticised  for  its 
elaborateness.  The  critics  forget  that  the 
manual  describes  a  Castle  elaborated  to  its 
fullest  extent  and  not  the  ordinary  Castle 
in  its  simplified  form.  Many  workers  use 
no  more  of  our  plan  than  to  adopt  chival- 
rous titles  for  the  boys.  Many  of  our  sug- 
gested details  are  not  applicable  every- 
where. None  of  them  are  obligatory.  The 
central  ideal — Chivalry — is  worth  conserv- 
ing in  some^  formT  In  many  cases  our 
suggestions  make  simply  the  skeleton  on 
which  to  build  an  organization  adapted  to 
local  needs.  After  the  novelty  of  the  ritual 
and  the  initiations  wear  off  the  leader  finds 
that  he  has  secured  a  command  of  his  boys 
which  prepares  him  to  lead  them  in  origi- 
nal ways. 

The  essentials  in  an  organization  for  boys 
an  a  wise  leader  and  a  wise  plan  of  work. 
By  use  of  a  wise  plan  of  work  a  wise 
leader  will  expect  to  form  an  intimate  ac- 
quaintance with  some  boys  and  to  spend 
the  time  profitably  with  them  and  to  influ- 
ence them  by  the  force  of  his  own  person- 
ality. Our  order  furnishes  a  set  of  offices, 
a  ritual  for  meeting,  a  novel  form  01 
organization,  a  new  scheme  of  honors,  an 
interesting  set  of  initiations  which  are  edu- 
cative and  inspiring,  a  federated  fraternity 
with  the  help  of  others'  ideas,  and  yet 
room  enough  for  the  fullest  exercising  of 
the  leader's  ingenuity  in  making  plans  and 
improvements.  It  does  this  with  very  lit- 
tle expense  and  with  no  interference  with 
local   interests. 


BOYS'    ROUND   TABLE 


Before  gathering  the  boys  together,  it  is 
necessary  to  take  account  of  the  field  and 
force.  How  much  time  can  I  regularly 
give  to  this  work?  Upon  whom  can  I  rely 
to  help  me  ?  About  how  many  boys  can 
I  handle?  How  many  can  I  expect  to 
reach?  What  do  the  boys  in  my  vicinity 
most  need?  What  age  of  boys  had  I  bet- 
ter try  to  help?  How  much  money  shall  I 
want;  how  much  money  shall  I  need;  how 
little  can  I  get  along  with?  How  about 
meeting  place?  Shall  it  be  a  church  club, 
union  club  or  village  club?  From  what 
sources  shall  I  get  my  boys,  into  what 
shall  I  graduate  them?  Of  these  questions 
the  most  important  is:  What  am  I  trying 
to  do?  The  next  is:  Into  what  will  my 
boys  graduate '' 

Castles  should  be  organized  with  more 
thoughtfulness  and  pastors  should  be  slow 
to  accept  organizations  which  have  no 
guarantee  of  leadership  and  permanence. 
Those  who  intend  to  be  leaders  should  be 
more  sure  that  they  will  have  patience, 
time  and  helpers  sufficient  to  give  our  plan 
a  fair  trial.  Even  an  excellent  idea  will 
not  run  itself,  will  not  live  a  day  without 
a  leader,  will  require  trouble,  toil  and 
pains  to  be  of  real  value. 

The  first  thing  is  to  be  sure  you  fully 


understand  the  ideals  and  methods  of  our 
order.  You  should  have  some  knowledge 
also  of  the  Arthur  legends. 

The  boys  who  are  to  be  invited  to  join 
should  all  be  of  about  the  same  age.  It  is 
also  desirable  that  they  should  be  of  the 
same  neighborhood  and  social  condition. 
The  best  age  for  introducing  these  meth- 
ods seems  to  be  a  little  before  fourteen; 
but  as  it  is  important  to  organize  boys 
before  this  age,  I  recommend  that  they  be 
gathered  into  The  Captains  of  Ten  or  some 
such  society,  into  which  the  King  Arthur 
r/iCthods   may  be  gradually  introduced. 

Boys  are  usually  enthusiastically  im- 
pressed with  the  first  description  of  our 
order.  They  like  the  novelty,  vision  of 
parade,  regalia,  initiation,  and  the  fact  that 
it  is  a  "club,"  but  a  better  one  than  they  would, 
have  thought  of  themselves.  The  newness 
wears  off  after  they  are  asked  to  learn 
their  parts  and  are  required  to  perform 
them  with  decorum.  But  when  this  era  is 
safely  past  they  are  ready  for  business. 

The  methods  of  the  order  may  be  best 
understood  by  reading  the  suggested  con 
stitution  which  follows,  which  is  purposely 
written    in    archaic    English.      Some    notes 
of  explanation  are  added 


Constitution 

(Portions  not  likely  to  be  everywhere  applicable  are  placed  in  brackets.) 


I.  This  Brotherhood  is  of  the  Order  of 
the  Knights  of  King  Arthur.  We  be  cas- 
tle   ,  No.  . 

II.  We  be  joined  hand  and  heart  to 
achieve    Christian    Knightliness. 

III.  Our  brethren  be  of  the  age  of 

2.nd  upwards.  (Of  the  Church  of  Christ 
we  be  all  children  and  some  of  its  brother- 
hoods we  be  all  brethren.  He  that  is  not 
of  this  is  no  longer  of  us.)  Called  are 
we  by  these  names,  according  to  our  de- 
gree: 

1.  Pages,   who  owe   loyalty  and   service. 

2.  Esquires,  who  vow  purity,  temper- 
ance and  reverence. 

3.  Knights,  who  further  covenant  to 
.serve  their  Master,  the  Church  and  this 
Order  as   true   Christian   learning-Knights. 

4.  (Only  Esquires  and  Knights  have 
franchise.) 

IV.  Arthur  is  our  King.  He  wieldeth 
Excalibur  and  ruleth  at  Conclave.  (For 
one  Conclave  one  sitteth  in  the  Pendragon 
seat  and   then   another   cometh.) 

Merlin  serveth  us,  and  giveth  us  coun- 
sel. Kay,  the  Seneschal,  keepeth  our  rolls 
and  serveth  Merlin.  (Kay  is  chosen  by 
Merlin  for  such  season  as  it  pleaseth  him.) 
Heralds  twain  be  chosen  from  the  pages 
by  Kay  to  serve  him  as  long  as  he  serveth. 
Sir  Constable  to  keep  order  at  the  table 
and  Sir  Sentinel  to  guard  the  gate,  be 
chosen  by  the  King  for  his  Conclave. 

V.  Merlin   chooseth    (each  six  months)  . 

1.  Chancellors  three,  to  do  our  business 
when  we  fare  homeward. 

2.  Chamberlains  seven,  they  who  have 
been  most  orderly,  to  guide  and  guard  at 
the   bestowing  of  degrees. 

3.  Of  these  Merlin  is  also  one,  and  so  of 
any  other  Council  or  embassage  whom  he 
or  we  shall  choose. 

VI.  The  elders  of  the  Brotherhood, 
fathers  and  mothers,  have  honor  and  may 
sit  at  the  Conclave  with  us,  for  our  homes 
be  our  fortresses.  Since  that  true  chiv- 
alry honoreth  womanhood  we  may  choose 
a  Lady  of  the  Lake  and  Queens  of  Avilion 
for  our  Patron  Ladies. 


VII.  What  harmeth  body,  defileth  tongue 
or  doeth  ill  to  mind  cometh  not  to  our 
Conclave. 

VIII.  By  the  names  of  King  Arthur's 
ancient  court  and  other  lordly  Knights, 
we  be  named  and  called  at  Conclave. 

IX.  When  a  great  deed  of  brawn  or 
train  or  Knightliness  hath  been  done  by  a 
brother  it  shall  be  told  to  Merlin  and  by 
him  to  the  King.  Then  if  they  think  fit, 
the  King  shall  rise  and  all  the  Brother- 
hood with  him,  and  so  be  none  dissenting, 
and  the  Siege  Perilous  shall  be  uncovered 
and  the  brother  shall  be  led  thereto  and  so 
shall  he  sit  beside  the  King.  Then  for 
that  whole  Conclave  shall  he  be  hailed  as 
Sir  Galahad  and  all  his  life  long  thereafter 
he   shall   be   a   Baronet. 

X.  Merlin  may  if  he  find  in  the  Castle  a 
knave  or  an  idle  or  disorderly  fellow,  lay 
upon  him  suitable  chastisement,  or  he  may 
leave  him  to  a  trial  by  his  peers. 

XL  Paynims  who  wish  to  join  them- 
selves to  the  court  of  King  Arthur  shall 
give  their  names  to  the  Chancellors.  If 
these  favorably  report,  the  Castle  shall 
give  its  vote  concerning  them,  and  if  they 
are  chosen  they  may  appear  at  the  Castle 
gate  in  seven  days.  (A  Paynim  may  choose 
whether  he  will  undergo  the  ordeal  of  the 
Degrees,  but  he  shall  in  any  case  receive 
the  vows.) 

XII.  The  granting  of  all  Degrees  shall 
he  in  Merlin's  presence  under  charge  of  the 
Chamberlains.  If  there  is  disorder  Merlin 
shall  close  the  Conclave  for  that  day.  Only 
one  Degree  shall  be  given  each  day. 

XIII.  Conclaves  shall  be  held  at  Mer- 
lin's call,  to  be  proclaimed  by  the  Heralds. 
The  Chancellors  provide  us  business  or 
pleasure  at  Conclave. 

We  sit  at  the  Table  Round,  the  King 
at  our  head.  At  his  right  is  the  Siege 
Perilous,  before  him  in  the  circle  sits  Mer- 
lin, at  Merlin's  left  is  Kay.  At  the  right 
are  the  Chancellors  in  places  of  honor.  At 
Merlin's   left   sits   the    Peerage.     Sir   Sen- 


13 


14 


BOYS'    ROUND    TABLE 


tinel  standeth  at  the  gate.  Sir  Constable 
sitteth  at  the  foot  of  the  table.  At  his 
right  and  left  sit  the  Heralds. 

XIV.  He  that  forsaketh  our  fellowship 
must  honorably  give  notice  by  word  or 
writing  to  the  Castle. 

A  new  password  shall  be  given  each 
month  by  Merlin.  Those  who  have  not  the 
password  have  no  franchise  until  the  next 
Conclave. 

XV.  For  each  Degree  each  shall  pay  in 
coin  of  the  realm — before  he  is  admitted. 

Power  of  tax  is  ours. 
No  monies  be  expended  without  our  con- 
sent. 

XVI.  One-fourth  of  us  who  have  fran- 
chise may  hold  Conclave  on  proclamation. 

XVII.  This  writing  we  may  alter  at  any 
Conclave  after  the  alterations  proposed 
have  been  read  at  two  Conclaves. 

XVIII.  Our  arms  be  a  maltese  cross 
argent  upon  a  field  gules.  Our  legend, 
"My   sword    shall   be   bathed    in   Heaven." 

Our    rallying    cry    (local).      Our    hand' 
grasp :  the  clasping  of  hands  and  the  pres- 
sure twice  in  clasping  of  each  forefinger. 
Our  knocks:  (local).  Our  signals:  (local). 

To  the  great  Republic  we  avow  al- 
legiance, its  flag  our  banner,  its  chief  our 
chieftain,   its  glory  our  knightly  quest. 

For  these  ends  and  by  these  means  we 
pledge  our  hands,  our  hearts  and  our 
manly  honor  to  our  Ancient   Order. 

Explanations 

I.  The  Castle  name  may  be  selected  by 
the  Castle  itself.  The  castle  number  and 
a  charter  are  given  the  Castle  by  Sir 
Pendragon  when  it  is  enrolled  at  Caer- 
leon. 

III.  The  description  in  brackets  is  for 
peaces  where  it  is  desirable  that  it  should 
be  required  that  the  boys  should  be  mem- 
bers of  the  Sunday  school  or  some  other 
organization  of  the  church. 

The  distinction  between  the  three  De- 
grees, as  will  be  more  fully  described  later, 
is  that  the  Pages  are  in  a  measure  on  trial. 
The  Esquires  are  those  who  have  been 
members  long  enough  to  have  entered  into 
the  spirit  of  the  Order  and  who  are  ready 
to  engage  in  its  higher  responsibilities  and 
privileges.     The     Knights     are     Christian 


boys.  I  think  it  surely  desirable  in  church 
Castles  that  church  membership  be  a  con- 
dition of  taking  this  Degree.  The  reasons 
for  not  allowing  the  Pages  to  vote  are  to 
test  their  attachment  and  impel  them  to 
seek  Esquireship. 

iV.  This  means  that  the  boys  act  as  pre- 
siding officer  m  turn.  In  some  castles  it 
may  be  desirable  to  elect  permanent  of- 
ficers, but  rotation  as  suggested  gives  each 
member  equal  honor  and  parliamentai-y 
practice  and  avoids  jealousy.  Where  boys 
are  not  of  the  same  age  only  the  older  boys 
might  be  allowed  to  preside.  Merlin  is 
the  adult  leader,  Kay  is  the  boy  he  chooses 
to  help  him  as  his  assistant  secretary,  the 
Heralds  assist  Kay. 

The  Chancellors  are  the  executive  com- 
mittee and  should  be  of  the  most  earnest 
and  interested  boys  in  the  Castle.  The 
Chamberlains  are  the  "Degree  team." 

IX.  This  refers  to  the  greatest  honor 
that  can  be  given  by  a  local  Castle,  and  the 
Siege  Perilous,  which  in  the  old  legend 
was  the  property  of  the  peerless  Knight 
Galahad,  is  here  used  as  the  special  recog- 
nition for  true  boyish  achievements.  No 
boy  can  apply  for  it  for  himself.  It  must 
be  the  spontaneous  gift  of  his  fellows.  The 
boy  who  gains  this  honor  is  enrolled  in  a 
special  place  in  the  Castle  roll  and  is  en- 
titled to  wear  a  special  decoration. 

XI.  Paynims  are  those  not  members. 
For  the  sake  of  timid  parents  the  provision 
is  inserted  that  they  may  be  permitted  to 
join  the  Castle  without  initiation,  but  I 
never  knew  a  boy  to  ask  to  do  so. 

XIII.  On  the  whole  I  think  it  is  best 
to  assign  names  to  the  boys.  The  boys 
are  likely  to  be  dissatisfied  with  their  own 
choice.  Be  sure  and  select  names  about 
vthich  you  know  you  can  find  interesting 
and  helpful  stories.  Choose  for  each  h^y 
the  name  of  some  hero  who  possesses  qual- 
ities which  that  boy  needs  to  imitate.  Give 
the  name  Lancelot  to  some  boy  whose 
chivalric  side  you  desire  to  develop.  Ger- 
aint  is  good  name  for  an  impatient  boy. 
Gareth  is  a  good  name  for  a  boy  who  has 
a  hard  struggle.  Percival,  Bors,  Bleys,  Ul- 
fius,  Brastias,  Pelleas,  Tor,  Ector  are  all 
good  names. 


KNIGHTS   OF   KING  ARTHUR 


15 


I  believe  earnestly  in  the  use  of  names  of 
living  heroes  whose  adventures  the  boys 
Ce-n  trace,  and  of  whom  they  can  read 
every  day.  Such  are  heroes  of  the  late 
war,  such  as  Dewey,  Sampson,  Merritt, 
Wood,  Chaffee,  the  younger  statesmen  like 
Roosevelt,  Bryan,  Jerome,  Coler,  others 
like  Lord  Roberts,  Czar  Nicholas  and  Em- 
peror William,  Hale,  Phillips  Brooks, 
Palma,  Edison,  Ruskin,  Tolstoi,  William 
Morris,   Shaftesbury. 

The  legends  of  Siegfried,  of  Tannhauser, 
of  Roland,  and  of  Parsival,  all  of  which 
are  closely  related  to  the  Arthur  story,  sug- 
gest splendid  characters  and  good  reading. 
Indeed  mythology,  which  is  to  us  only 
hero-tales,  the  Norse,  the  Greek  and  the 
Roman,  furnishes  characters  distinct,  life- 
like, and  noble.  Perseus,  Thor,  Odysseus, 
Hector,  ^neas,  are  all  suggestive. 

When  we  come  to  history  we  have  a 
rich  field.  Alexander,  Constantine,  the  Mac- 
cabbees,  Savonarola,  Luther,  Wyclif,  Bay- 
ard, Alfred,  Edward  the  Confessor,  Richard 
the  Lion  Hearted,  Horatio  Nelson,  Wash- 
ington, Lincoln,  Grant,  Sherman,  Farra- 
gut,  Paul  Jones,  Paul  Revere,  Israel 
Putnam,  Anthony  Wayne,  Charles  Gordon, 
Henry  M.  Stanley,  and  Fridjiof  Nansen, 
will  be  thought  of. 

A  still  more  excellent  way  is  to  lend 
each  boy  a  great  book  and  tell  him  to  se- 
lect the  best  character  in  it  for  his  own. 
The  unexpected  interest  in  some  hero  of 
whom  he  knew  nothing  will  have  a  per- 
manent effect  upon  his  life.  Among  such 
books  might  be  Ivanhoe,  Lorna  Doone,  The 
Prisoner  of  Zenda,  Brigadier  Gerard,  The 
Little  Minister,  Child's  History  of  Eng- 
land, The  Battle  of  the  Strong,  Hugh 
Wayne,  Eben  Holden  and  To  Have  and  To 
Hold.  The  Henty  historical  books  will 
by  themselves  furnish  names  and  inspira- 
tion for  the  whole  Castle.      ^U-^fy 

After  selecting  a  name  ';ettc<5urage  the 
boy  to  search  for  his  Jiero 's  coat  of  arms 
for  his  banner.  II  hq  cannot  ^nd  it,,  let 
him  read  up  a  little:  heraldry  and  devise 
something  which  he  .thinks  appropriate  ^,tb 
the  character.  '"  -^^M^U-- 

It  would  be  well  to  require  each  page  to 
learn  and  tell  to  the  Castle  the  story  of 
the  hero  for  whom  he  is  named.  Have  it 
definitely  understood  that  this  must  be  done 


as  soon  as  possible  after  initiation,  and 
positively  before  advancement  to  Esquire- 
ship.  This  might  be  required  in  writing 
on  uniform  sheets  of  paper,  to  be 
filed  in  the  archives  of  the  Castle. 
Conference  with  the  teachers  in  the  public 
schools  might  lead  them  to  cooperate  in 
this  so  that  the  composition  might  be  a  part 
of  their  language  work.  Another  condition 
of  advancement  may  be  that  each  Page 
perform  a  "quest,"  an  act  of  service,  for 
the  keynote  of  pagehood  was  service. 

XIII.  The  arrangement  of  the  Castle 
Hall  is  as  follows :  The  chairs  are  placed 
in  a  circle  representing  the  ancient  Round 
Table.  At  one  end,  upon  a  platform  if 
possible,  is  the  King's  throne,  a  chair  of 
more  elaborate  design  is  the  Siege  Peril- 
ous, covered  with  red  or  white  cloth,  at 
its  right.  In  front  of  the  King,  below  him 
and  in  the  circle  sits  Merlin  with  Kay, 
his  assistant,  at  his  left.  There  may  be  a 
table  beween  them.  The  throne  should  be 
made  the  central  place  of  decoration.  It 
may  be  roofed  with  crossed  spears  bound 
with  the  colors  of  the  order.  A  handsome 
sword  of  some  secret  order  can  be  bor- 
rowed of  some  father  or  bought  by  sub- 
scription. This  should  lie  across  an  open 
Bible  in  front  of  the  throne  when  not  car- 
ried or  used  by  the  King.  It  or  a  spear 
may  be  used  in  place  of  a  gavel.  The 
seats  should  be  arranged  in  as  large  and 
perfect  a  circle  as  possible.  In  the  cen- 
tre there  may  be  for  literary  meetings  a 
round  table,  but  at  ceremonials  it  is  well 
to  indicate  the  table  by  a  circular  piece  of 
carpet  of  the  colors  of  the  order.  The 
Seneschal  should  be  the  only  member  in 
the  room  when  all  are  ready  to  begin.  He 
may  bear  a  tall  spear  and  should  meet  the 
members  at  the  door  and  lead  them  in. 
The  members  should  form  outside  in  the 
following  order :  First,  the.  two  heralds 
with  the  banners,  the  Castle  banner  and 
the  American  flag;  then  the  members 
in  order  of  rank,  pages,  esquires  and 
knights.  ;  Members  of  the  peerage  should 
follow  these.  Then  come  the  Chamber- 
lains, Chancellors,  Merlin  and  King.  Vis- 
iting comrades  should  be  placed  in  the 
positions  to  which  they  are  entitled  by 
their   rank.     If  a   whole   Castle  is  visiting 


i6 


BOYS'    ROUND    TABLE 


it  should  be  given  the  place  of  honor,  be- 
hind the  local  Castle,  the  rear  ranking 
highest  in  all  cases  in  these  processionals. 
Should  there  be  a  bugler  or  cornetist  or 
drummer  he  would  precede  the  Heralds. 
If  there  is  not,  there  should  be,  if  pos- 
sible, music  from  piano  or  organ  within. 
When  the  Seneschal  meets  the  Castle  he 
leads  them  slowly  around  the  hall  about 
three  times  and  then  pausing  and  turning 
at  the  foot  of  the  hall  leads  them  toward 
the  throne  where  they  halt  and  form  two 
long  lines,  facing  inward  down  the  hall. 
Then  the  Merlin  and  King  march  up 
through  and  at  the  triple  stroke  of  the 
King  all  are  seated,  each  going  quietly  to 
his  place  in  the  hall.  The  Seneschal  should 
be  compelled  to  learn  his  part  so  that  he 
can  give  it  without  reading  it,  and  the 
members  of  each  degree  should  be  per- 
fectly familiar  with  the  responses.  The 
song,  "Upon  King  Arthur's  Throne  To- 
Night,"  goes  \ery  well  to  the  stirring  tune 
of  "Maryland  my  Maryland."  It  may  also 
be  used  with  anything  in  long  metre;  one 
long  metre  tune  may  be  used  for  the 
verse  and  another  for  the  chorus.  At  the 
time  of  prayer,  if  prayer  is  used,  the  boys 
should  rise  or  it  may  be  well  to  use  the 
knightly  custom  of  having  knights  kneel 
in  circle  at  their  seats.  Should  the  prayer 
on  page  36  of  the  handbook  be  used  it  can 
be  read  by  all  in  concert.  If  others  are 
used  they  can  be  repeated  by  the  Merlin. 

After  the  boys  are  seated,  let  us  look 
around  and  see  how  they  are  armed. 
The  Pages  are  entitled  to  bear  spears,  the 
Esquires  shields,  and  the  Knights  swords. 


The  King  has  come  in  armed  with  his 
finer  blade  which  is  before  him.  Merlin 
and  Seneschal  should  have  much  of  their 
minutes,  rolls,  etc.,  on  very  large  sheets 
of  paper-like  parchments.  The  Constable 
may  bear  a  mace,  the  Sentinel  a  bow  and 
arrows.  Emblems  of  the  other  offices  could 
be,  for  Chancellors  crossed  keys,  for 
Chamberlains  crossed  swords,  for  Heralds 
the  winged  foot.  The  ranks  are  indicated 
by  badges  of  the  respective  colors,  blue  for 
Pages,  red  for  Esquires,  white  for  Knights. 

In  calling  the  roll  the  full  title  which 
belongs  to  each  member  should  be  called 
out  slowly  and  solemnly.     The  boys  like  it. 

In  case  of  disorder  the  Constable,  either 
by  himself  or  at  the  suggestion  of  Merlin, 
should  give  admonition  in  private  or  public 
and  if  necessary  order  the  offending  mem- 
ber to  leave  the  hall.  No  disorder  is  to  be 
permitted  in  the  Castles  of  our  fraternity. 

The  closing  ritual  should  be  made  as 
impressive  as  possible.  At  this  time  or  at 
intervals  before  this  such  appropriate  Cas- 
tle songs,  as  the  boys  have  composed 
or  adopted,  may  be  sung.  Each  member 
should  be  asked  to  select  a  hymn  which 
shall  be  his  own,  and  on  the  night  when 
he  is  King  it  may  be  sung. 

The  boys  should  march  out  of  the  haU 
at  the  close,  even  if  some  return  again. 
This  should  be  to  music.  The  marching 
cut  clears  the  hall  and  makes  general  dis- 
order less  likely  than  as  though  adjourn- 
ment took  place  within. 

XVIII.  The  arms  are  a  white  maltese 
cross  on  a  red  field.  The  rallying  cry  is 
the  Castle  cheer  chosen  by  the  boys. 


K.   0.    K.    A.    HOUSE 


A  Ritual  for  Conducting  a  Conclave 


MERLIN 

King. — Sir  Knights,  Esquires  and  Pages. 

All— Hail  to   the  King! 

K. — I  am  about  to  open  a  regular  (or 
special)    Conclave    of    this    Castle    of    the 

Knights   of  King  Arthur,       Sir  ,   I 

shall  ask  you  to  act  as  Sentinel,  Sir , 


(The  members  having  formed  in  procession  and  entered  the  hall  as  described  on  page  15,  at  triple  stroke  by 
King  are  seated.     This  processional  represents  the  return  from  the  hunt.     Silence.) 

I — Opening 

Knights. — For   Christ  and   the  church. 

S. — What  are  the  virtues   of  a  Knight? 

K. — Faith,  hope  and  love. 

S. — What  are  you  as  Knights  pledged  to 
do? 

K. — To  serve  our  Master,  our  church 
and  our  order  as  true  Christian  Knights. 

K.— Right.    Be  faithful. 

(All  are  now   standing.) 

Hymn.  (The  following  or  Castle  hymn) 
(Optional). 

Tune :  "Maryland,  my  Maryland"  or  any- 
thing in  Long  Metre. 

Upon   King  Arthur's  throne  to-night 
The  royal  sword  is  flashing  bright. 
The  dew  of  youth  on  us  is  laid. 
The  dew  of  Heaven  upon  our  blade. 

Chorus 

Then  lift  the  heart  and  raise  the  song 
On  manly  voices  fresh  and  strong: 
To  knightly  manhood  pledged  are  we 
In  life,  in  love,  in  loyalty. 

About  the  ancient  Table  Round 

The  perfect  circle  §haH  be  bound. 

The   noble   names   of   heroes   bold 

We'll  stainless  bear  as  they  of  old. — Cho. 

Beneath  the  white  Cross   banner  now 
We'll  hold  the  memory  of  our  vow; 
That   Cross  to  us  of  Christ   shall   sing, 
The   first   true   Knight,   the   perfect   King. 

—Cho. 

Prayer  (see  page  36;  optional). 

K. — Comrades,  resunie  your  seats  and 
Sir  Seneschal  will  receive  the  password. 

(Each  member  whispers  it  to  S.  as  he 
passes  around.  If  any  are  without  it,  S. 
will  say: 

S. — Sir  Pendragon,   Sir  is  without 

the  password.  The  King  shall  ansv/er: 
Let  him  withdraw  with  Sir  Merlin  and  re- 
ceive it.  On  his  return  he  must  give  tb- 
other  forms  which  are  required  of  these 
who  come  late,  as  despribed  below,) 

I? 


you  may  act  as  Constable.  If  there  are 
present  any  not  entitled  to  sit  at  the  court 
of  King  Arthur  let  them  now  withdraw. 
Sir  Sentinel,  bar  the  gates  and  let  no  one 
be  admitted.  Sir  Constable,  take  your  sta- 
tion.    Sir  Seneschal,  examine  the  brethren. 

Seneschal, — Pages,  you  may  rise.  What 
is  the  motto  of  your  degree? 

Pages,^I  serve. 

S. — What  are  the  virtues  of   a  page? 

P, — Loyalty  and  service, 

S. — What  are  you  as  pages  pledged  to 
do? 

P. — To  reverence  our  King  and  our  con- 
science and  to  follow  all  that  makes  a  man, 

S. — Right,  Be  loyal.  Esquires,  you  may 
rise.     What  is  the  motto  of  your  degree? 

Esquires. — In  friendship. 

S. — What  are  the  virtues  of  an  Esquire? 

E. — Purity,  temperance  and  reverence, 

S. — What  are  you  as  Esquires  pledged  to 
do? 

E. — To  master  ourselves,  to  be  chaste  in 
word,  thought  and  deed,  to  reverence  God's 
house  and  God's  service  and  God's  chil- 
dren, in  all  chivalry,  courtesy  and  manly 
valor. 

S. — ^Right.  Be  true.  Knights  you  may 
rise.  What  is  the  mOtto  of  your  degree? 
2 


i8 


BOYS'     ROUND     TABLE 


S. — Sir  Pendragon,  the  brethren  are  ex- 
amined. 

K — It  is  well.  And  now  I,  Sir  Pendra- 
gon, declare  this  Conclave  open.  Sir  Sen- 
tinel, you  may  unloose  the  gates. 

(If  at  this  time  any  are  waiting  without, 
Sir  Sentinel  shall  approach  the  throne  and 
say: 

Sentinel. — Sir    Pendragon,    Sir    ,    is 

without,  having  been  detained  by  urgent 
business. 

King. — Let  him  enter. 

Sentinel  retires.  The  member  gives  the 
knock  of  his  degree.  King  responds  with 
same.  Member  enters,  goes  to  middle  of 
the  room  and  gives  military  salute  to  the 
throne,  makes  motion  of  drawing  a  sword 
from  the  left  side,  goes  and  whispers  pass 
word  to  Sentinel,  returns  and  salutes  again, 
and  is  seated.  Late  members  are  not  ad- 
mitted until  this  time.  If  anyone  enters 
later,  this   ceremony   is   omitted.) 

II — Business 

K. — Sir  M.  may  read  the  records. 

K. — Sir  M.  may  read  the  roll. 

K — Sir  M.  what  is  the  condition  of  the 
exchequer  ? 

M. — Sir  Pendragon,  the  exchequer  con- 
tains    coins  of  the  realm. 

K. — Are  there  any  candidates  for  mem- 
bership ? 

K. — Are  there  any  candidates  for  initia- 
tion? 

(If   so  Initiation   Ritual  here.) 

K. — Are  there  any  complaints  or  peti- 
tions? 

K. — Are  there  any  embassies  or  councils 
to  report? 

K. — Is  there  any  unfinished  business? 

K. — Is  there  any  new  business? 

K. — Sir  Seneschal,  you  may  receive  the 
tribute    (if   offerings    are   taken). 

(Hymn,  see  page  37 f.;  optional.) 

Ill — Exercises 

K. — Sir  Chancellors,  what  have  you  to 
offer?  (Tho  Chancellors  now  report  the 
evening's  program.) 

K. — Sir  Con^.table,  you  may  report.     (Sir 


C.  is  censor  and  keeper  of  order.  He  re- 
ports errors  in  literary  exercises  and 
breaches  in  decorum.  M.  may  also  an- 
nounce penalties  or  rewards  at  this  time.) 

K. — Is  there  any  more  business  to  come 
before  us? 

K, — Is  there  any  news  from  neighboring 
Castles  or  messages  from  Caerleon? 

K. — Have  the  elders  any  word  of  coun- 
sel? 

(Parents  or  others  present  may  speak 
now.) 

IV — Closing 


K. — Comrades,  I  am  now  about  to  close 
this  Conclave.  Sir  Sentinel,  bar  the  gates 
and  let  no  one  be  admitted.  Sir  ICnights, 
Esquires  and  Pages,  rise.  Sir  Heralds, 
bring  forth  our  banners  (Castle  and  na- 
tional). 

K. — Brethren,  join  hands  and  repeat  our 
covenant 

(Speaks  it  by  clauses;  all  repeat  after.) 

We,    the   Knights    of   King   Arthur, 

Gathered  about  the  Round  Table  of  un- 
broken  brotherhood. 

And  beneath  our  banner  of  the  White 
Cross, 

The  symbol  of  purity  and  devotion. 

And  under  the  flag  of  our  country, 

Do  now  covenant 

With  our   King  and  with   each  other, 

To  be  true  to  oursel/es. 

True  to   each   other. 

True  to   our   Order, 

And  true  to  our  country. 

Until  we  meet  again. 

We  so  covenant. 

Hymn:  the  National  Anthem. 

K. — Comrades,  what  is  our  legend? 

All. — My  sword  shall  be  bathed  in 
Heaven.     (The  King  draws  Excalibur.) 

K. — Salute  our  banners  (all  salute  and 
say)  : 

(Castle  cheer.) 

K. — I  declare  this  Conclave  closed. 

(A  procession  may  be  formed  to  march 
out,    members   first,   officers   last.) 

Note. — Castles  are  at  liberty  to  alter  this 
form.  The  more  elaborate  and  dignified 
it  is  gradually  made,  the  more  the  boys 
like  it  and  profit  by  it. 


The     First    Degree 


THAT   OF   PAGE 
A  Form  for  the  Initiation  to  the  First  Degree 


^UCH  of  the  language  of  each  form  of 
initiation  is  from  The  Idylls  of  the 
King. 

(Kay  meets  candidate  outside,  collects 
the  fee,  if  one  is  charged,  dresses  him  in 
a  ragged  coat,  blindfolds  and  leads  to  Cas- 
tle gate.  Gives  his  knock.  Response  to 
same  within.  They  enter  and  march  around 
room.  If  not  desirable  to  blindfold  candi- 
date, room  may  be  partly  darkened.  Cham- 
berlains are  in  rear,  armed  with  swords 
or  staves.     Silence). 

Sentinel.    Who  be  ye,  my  sons? 

Kay.  We  be  tillers  of  the  soil  who  come 
to  see  the  glories  of  our  king.  Grant  us 
to  serve  among  thy  kitchen  knaves  for  meat 
and  drink  a  twelve  month  and  a  day. 
Thereafter  we  will  fight. 

Sentinel.  If  ye  pass  beneath  this  arch- 
way unto  Caerleon  upon  Usk  then  will  ye 
be  enchanted.  For  the  king  will  bind  you 
by  such  oaths  as  is  a  shame  a  man  should 
not  be  bound  by,  yet  which  no  man  can 
fully  keep.  Go  not  further,  turn  aside  and 
abide  among  the  cattle  of  the  field. 

Kay.     Nay,  but  we  will  enter. 

Sentinel.  Go  forward  at  your  peril,  if  ye 
be  not  true  men. 

Kay.  Let  us  hasten  on  under  cover  of 
the  darkness. 

Kay.  Lad,  we  have  yet  a  day's  journey 
to  go  and  we  have  no  provisions.  Stay  you 
here  under  this  shelter  and  I  will  go  to 
yonder  hut  and  see  if  they  are  Christian 
folk  who  will  do  us  guqst-friendship. 

(Part  of  Chamberlains  personating  foes, 
approach,  journeying  through  the  forest, 
engaged  in  conversation.) 

No.  I.  I  fear  me  we  shall  not  meet  with 
adventure  this  day,  the  time  is  near  spent. 


No.  2.  Brother,  yonder  is  a  fair  shadow 
where  we  may  rest  ourselves  and  horses. 

No.  3.    Yes,  let  us  tarry  here  awhile. 

No.  4.  I  shall  be  full  glad,  for  all  these 
seven  years  I  have  not  been  so  tired. 

No.  I.  Look,  brother,  do  you  see  that 
man  crouching  beneath  the  shelter  of 
yonder  rocks? 

No.  2.  I  do.  And  are  not  those  the 
colors  of  our  hated  foe,  King  Arthur,  upon 
the  cloak  beside  him? 

No.  I.  They  are.  Let  us  seize  and  kill 
him.     (Aloud.)     Up  with  King  Modred. 

All.  Down  with  King  Arthur.  (All 
seize  and  bind  him.) 

No.  I.  Let  us  draw  lots  to  see  who  will 
be  the  one  to  joust  with  him. 

No.  2,  No,  he  is  but  a  kitchen  knave. 
Let  us  pierce  him  with  arrows. 

No.  3.    Let  us  toss  him  over  the  crags. 

No.  4.  Comrades,  we  will  burn  him  at 
the  stake. 

No,  I.     Make  sure  he  is  well  tied. 

No.  2.     Now  pile  high  the  fagots. 

No.  3.     Give  me  the  flint  and  steel. 

No.  4.  Hark,  methinks  I  hear  horsemen 
approaching.  Let  us  leave  him  to  his  tor- 
ture. 

(Sounds  of  knights  of  King  Arthur  ap-" 
proaching  on  horseback). 
Foe  No.  I.    Who  be  ye? 

Knight  No.  i.  We  be  true  Knights  of 
King  Arthur. 

Foe  No.  4.  If  ye  be  of  the  Round  Table 
I  do  defy  ye  and  all  your  fellows. 

K.  No.  2.     That  is  saying  over  much. 

K.  No.  3.  Truly  yonder  lone  lad  we  will 
help,  for  it  were  a  shame  to  see  four 
knights  on  one.  For  if  he  be  slain  we  are 
partners  of  his  death. 

19 


20 


BOYS'     ROUND     TABLE 


(Here  follows  combat,  din  of  battle, 
Knights  are  victorious.) 

Foe  No.  I.  We  yield  to  you  as  men  of 
might,  matchless. 

Knight  No.  i.  It  is  well  said.  When  I 
call  upon  you  ye  must  yield  unto  King 
Arthur,  and  all  thy  companions. 

(Merlin  takes  the  lad.) 

M.  Lad,  thou  hast  been  near  to  death. 
Seven  tall  knights,  on  horseback,  wholly 
armed,  behind  a  rock,  in  shadow  lurked 
for  thee,  villains  all.  These  brethren  of 
King  Arthur's  court  and  I  were  passing  to 
the  tourney  and  hasted  to  thy  relief.     Fall 


THE  COMBAT  IN  THE  FIRST   DEGREE 

in,  comrades,  and  let  us  proceed  to  the 
Castle. 

(Whole  Castle  forms,  M.  and  lad  in 
rear.) 

M.  The  morning  breaks  (the  blindfold 
is  removed)  and  danger  is  over. 

(All  divide  and  form  a  double  line  facing 
in.     M.  and  lad  pass  through  to  throne.) 

M.    Kneel,  lad.     (Kneels.) 

M.  Sir  Pendragon,  here  is  a  country  lad 
who  hath  come  to  see  thy  court.  Journey- 
ing hither  he  was  rescued  from  death  by 
our  brethren  of  the  Round  Table,  and  now 
eagerly  desires  to  go  forth  on  the  first 
quest  and  be  made  a  Knight  of  Arthur. 

K.     My  Knights  are  sworn  to  vows  of 


utter  hardihood,  utter  faithfulness  and 
uttermost  obedience  to  the  King. 

M.  He  is  a  goodly  youth,  my  lord.  For 
hardihood  I  can  promise  thee,  for  utter- 
most obedience  make  demand. 

K.     Knights  of  the  Round  Table. 

All.     Hail  to  the  King. 

K.    Tell  me,  is  he  worthy  or  not  worthy? 

All.     He  is  worthy! 

K.     Will  you  receive  him  as  your  page? 

All.    We  will. 

K.  Rise.  Sir  Kay,  read  to  him  our 
Covenant. 

Kay.  This  brotherhood  is  of  the  order 
of  the   Knights   of   King  Arthur.     We  be 

Castle  .     We  be 

joined  hand  and  heart  to  achieve  Christian 
Knightliness.  What  harmeth  body,  de- 
fileth  tongue,  or  doeth  ill  to  mind  cometh 
not  to  our  Conclave.  To  the  great  Repub- 
lic we  vow  allegiance,  its  flag  our  banner, 
its  chief  our  chieftain,  its  glory  our  knightly 
quest.  For  these  ends  and  by  these  means 
we  pledge  our  hands,  our  hearts,  and  our 
manly  honor  to   our   ancient  order. 

K.    Will  you  accept  this  Covenant? 

Lad.     I  will. 

K.  Sir  Kay,  explain  to  him  our  mys- 
teries. 

K.  Our  arms  be  a  cross  (maltese)  argent 
upon  a  field  gules. 

Our  legend. 

Our   rallying   cry. 

Our  hand  grasp. 

Our  knocks. 

Our  signals. 

Our  password. 

K.  Kneel.  (Kneels.)  Lay  thy  hand  in 
mine,  (K.  takes  lad's  right  hand  in  his 
own)  and  swear  to  reverence  thy  King 
and  thy  conscience  as  thy  King,  to  seek 
high  thought  and  love  of  truth,  and  follow 
all  that  makes  a  man.    Do  you  thus  swear? 

Lad.     I  do. 

All   (in  deep  voice)   We  are  witness  I 

K.  Then  let  him  be  sealed,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  all,  as  our  servant. 

K.  Retire  with  Sir  Kay  for  enrollment 
and  to  receive  the  Watchword  of  the  Gate. 

(These  given,  he  is  vested  with  robe. 
meanwhile  procession  marches  around,  Kav 
and  lad  leading  the  rest,  reverse  the  line. 
by  passing  within  divided  ranks  down  to 
the   rear.     Then,   when  all   have   faced   in, 


KNIGHTS     OF     KING     ARTHUR 


21 


they  two  march  up  to  the  throne.  Lad 
kneels.     Silence.) 

Castle  Hymn  or  Selected  Hymn  sung  or 
recited.     Some  martial  hymn  or  poem. 

K.  (loudly).    Rise  Sir ,  loyal  page 

of  the  court  of  King  Arthur!  (Rises.) 
Comrades,  what  is  the  motto  of  the  Order? 

All.  MY  SWORD  SHALL  BE 
BATHED  IN  HEAVEN. 

K.  Henceforth,  Sir  Page,  let  this  be 
your  motto.  Salute  our  newly  elected 
brother. 

Explanation 

This  degree  is  really  introductory  only. 
The  page  in  medieval  times  was  the  ser- 
vant, yet  it  was  possible  for  him  to  advance 
to  a  higher  position,  so  in  our  Order  the 
new  members  are  in  a  condition  ol  servi- 
tude, they  are  debarred  of  certain  privi- 
leges and  must  receive  instruction  before 
they  advance  further.  Such  a  condition 
is  not  satisfactory  and  it  is  not  intended 
that  it  should  be,  yet  it  is  most  wholesome 
for  a  time  for  the  average  boy.  It  prevents 
a  certain  self  conscious  priggishness  in  a 
very  decisive  fashion,  i  think  it  is  desira- 
ble that  the  boys  should  be  kept  as  pages 
for  at  least  six  months.  They  need  time  to 
find  out  whether  they  like  the  Order  well 
enough    to    become    useful    members,    and 


they  need  to  fully  understand  the  obliga- 
tions of  the  second  degree  before  they  take 
them.  Often  many  boys  think  them  to  be 
unmanly  restrictions.  They  are  not  so  and 
this  Order  declares  by  giving  privileges  to 
those  who  take  them  that  they  are  not  co, 
but  there  is  a  danger  that  the  boys  will 
hasten  to  take  upon  themselves  these  obli- 
gations so  as  to  become  Esquires  and  be 
able  to  vote,  and  the  delay  is  an  antidote  to 
this  tendency. 

The  initiation  ceremony,  which  has  just 
been  described,  is  quite  amusing  and  excit- 
ing, but  is  intended  to  have  its  lesson.  This 
lesson  is  that  of  obligation  to  those  who 
have  shown  their  friendliness  by  making 
the  lad  a  member  of  their  company.  The 
idea  of  protection  to  the  weak,  the  central 
thought  in  chivalry,  and  brotherhood  to  the 
suffering,  is  exemplified  by  this  ritual.  The 
boy  on  his  first  entrance  to  the  Castle  finds 
its  members  at  their  best  engaged  in  help- 
fulness to  another,  that  is,  himself. 

This  ritual  should  never  be  given  with- 
out rehearsal,  it  may  be  shortened  or  elab- 
orated still  further.  Perfect  order  and  si- 
lence of  those  not  participating  are  to  be 
insisted  on  throughout.  The  ceremony  is 
so  arranged  as  to  prevent  any  possibility 
of  physical  -violence.  If  disorder  or  vio- 
lence are  attempted  the  Merlin  should  close 
the   exercises  immediately  for  that  day. 


sr^cciro^^ 


^^^^ 


The    Second    Degree 

That  of  Esquire 
A  Form  for  the  Initiation  to  the  Second  Degree. 


(Candidate  dressed  as  Page  and  blind- 
folded. Page's  knock  is  given  at  the  door. 
Response  within.  Enter.  Merlin  and  Can- 
didate march  to  throne  between  ranks  of 
members.  Degree  team  are  at  rear.  Of 
course  this  degree  is  to  be  conducted  and 
witnessed  only  by  boys  who  have  been 
made  Esquires.) 


PRESENTING    A    PAGE    FOR   THE    SECOND    DEGREE 

M.  Sir  Pendragon,  this  young  page  de- 
sires to  become  an  Esquire  at  our  court. 

K.  Have  you  informed  him  of  the  obliga- 
tions that  he  must  assume? 

M.  I  have,  Sir  King. 

K.  Has  he  been  tested? 

M.  He  has  not. 

K.  Lad.  are  you  willing  to  undergo  the 

22 


ordeal  that  shall  show  whether  you  are  fit 
to  be  an  Esquire? 

C.  I  am. 

K.  Lead  him  to  the  stone  of  testing. 

(The  members  fall  in  line  and  lead 
Merlin  and  Cand.  to  the  stone,  near 
which  degree  team  (chamberlains)  are 
collected.  In  the  "  stone  "  a  stout  wooden 
sword  is  held  by  a  sliding  pin.) 

M.  Here,  my  lads,  lies  the  mystic 
sword  Excalibur  embedded  in  the  stone 
of  testing.  If  you  are  ready  for  esquire- 
ship  you  will  be  able  to  draw  it  from' its 
sheath.  Take  hold  and  draw  out  the 
sword  (loudly). 

(He  tries  and  fails.    All  jeer  him.) 

M.  Alas,  my  son,  you  are  not  ready. 
I  must  go  sadly  to  the  king. 

(He  goes).  Sir  King,  the  page  was 
tried  and  is  found  unworthy. 

K.  Doubtless  his  heart  failed  him  be- 
cause of  uncleanness.     Bring  him  to  me. 

(He  is  brought;    processional). 

K.  My  lad,  you  cannot  become  a  man 
until  you  assume  manly  virtues.  I  will 
bind  you  by  a  vow,  our  triple  pledge  of 
purity,  temperance  and  reverence.   Kneel. 

/Hymn. 

He  takes  his  vow,  though  brave  is  h( 
He  needs  it  for  his  shield. 

On  the  fair  plains  of  chivalry 
\This  foeman  shall  not  yield. 

K.  Do  you  now  solemnly  promise 
(local  obligation)? 

C.  I  do. 

M.  Rise,  lad,  and  draw  out  Excalibur. 
(The  pin  having  been  removed,  he  goes 
and  draws  the  sword.  The  chamberlains 
support  him.     All  cheer). 


KNIGHTS     OF     KING,    ARTHUR 


23 


Hymn.  \ 

Give  him  the  blade,  'tis  his  by  right,  \ 

The  sword  flies  from  the  stone, 
'hus  draws  he  strength  from  every  fight 

And  makes  the  prize  his  own. 

(Merlin  removes  blindfold  and  leads 
away  Cand.  armed  with  the  sword. 
Double  ranks  form  at  throne.  Merlin 
and  Cand.  pass  through.  Cand.  kneels. 
Reading  from  Tennyson's  short  poem, 
"Sir  Galahad.") 

K.  Rise  (touching  with  sword)  Sir 
,   true   Esquire  of  the   court  of  King 


"He  goes  and  drazvs  the  sword" 

Arthur.  (Rises).  Comrades,  what  is  the 
motto  of  our  Order? 

All.  MY  SWORD  SHALL  BE 
BATHED     IN     HEAVEN. 

K.  Let  your  well  won  sword.  Esquire, 
be  used  only  in  the  spirit  of  heaven  and 
in  conflicts  that  heaven  can  bless.  Salute 
our  brother. 

(All  grasp  his  hand.) 


Note.— The  initiation  will  be  more  attractive  if  a  slow 
march  is  played  m  the  early,  and  a  quick  march  in  the 
later  processionals. 

Explanations 

It    is    an    important    step    to    become    an 
Esquire.     It    means    or    should    mean    that 


the  boy  has  decided  to  take  an  advance  step 
in  his  moral  life.  It  means  much  to  any 
boy.  Some  boys  and  even  some  Merlins 
have  thought  that  because  a  boy  did  not 
drink,  swear  or  smoke,  or  because  he  was  a 
member  of  the  Christian  Endeavor  Society, 
he  was  therefore  thought  fit  to  become  an 
Esquire.  There  could  be  no  more  distinct 
mistake.  No  boy  should  be  allowed  to  be- 
come an  Esquire  until  he  has  been  tested 
as  a  Page  for.  several  months.  When  he 
does  take  the  obligation  it  must  mean 
something  to  him.  What  if  he  is  temper- 
ate? Does  that  mean  that  he  is  pure? 
Does  it  imply  that  he  is  reverent?  Is  he 
sure  he  is  thoroughly  temperate? 

We  do  not  recommend  an  iron-clad 
pledge  for  this  degree.  We  prefer  that 
every  boy  should  write  his  own  obligation 
and  show  it  to  his  Merlin.  If  the  Merlin 
believes  that  the  boy  has  included  in  that 
pledge  all  that  a  boy  needs  in  order  to  ful- 
fill the  triple  obligation,  then  let  him  join 
as  an  Esquire.  In  one  Castle  there  is  a 
custom  of  giving  every  boy  who  applies  a 
list  of  questions  on  the  meaning  of  the 
Order  and  its  history,  which  he  is  expected 
10  answer  in  writing.  This  is  a  useful  re- 
view and  makes,  sure  that  the  advance  ranks 
in  the  Castle  are  filled  by  those  who  under- 
stand what  they  mean. 

It  is  well  that  the  Esquires  should  be  dis- 
tinguished by  a  special  badge.  In  Castle 
Shalott,  of  Cambridge,  Mass.,  the  Esquires 
wear  a  silver  sword  across  their  badge  or 
separate  from  it.  This  sword  has  three 
jewels  on  it,  of  red,  white  and  blue,  for 
reverence,  purity  and  temperance.  Did  you 
ever  think  before  that  that  was  what  the 
"red,  white  and  blue"  means?  Remember 
that  when  you  see  the  colors  on  the  flag  of 
your  country. 

The  initiation  of  this  degree  is  a  graphic 
picture  of  strength  that  is  acquired  by  self- 
mastery.  This  ceremony,  though  short,  is 
amusing,  but  its  direct  lesson  can  scarcely 
be  missed. 

Probably  after  a  short  time  the  majority 
of  the  boys  will  be  Esquires.  The  leader 
has  secured,  as  the  result  of  these  methods, 
not  the  slight  and  constrained  allegiance  of 
one  or  two  boys  to  the  pledge,  but  a 
brotherhood  of  boys  bound  together  for  a 
definite  moral  aim. 


Cbe  Knigbt  on  Quest 


The   Third   Degree 


That  of  Knight 


^7^  HIS  form  is  intended  to  be  a  solemn 
\2)  covenant,  not  a  substitute  for,  but  ac- 
companying or  following  entering  the 
church  or  confirmation.  It  is  as  far  as  prac- 
ticable an  imitation  of  the  actual  ancient 
form  for  conferring  knighthood.  Prepara- 
tion should  be  enjoined  by  fasting  (to  a 
reasonable  length  of  time;  if  the  service 
is  in  the  evening,  since  noon),  self-exam- 
ination and  confession  (marked  perhaps 
by  the  communion  service  the  Sunday 
morning  before :  in  Episcopal  churches  by 
a  special  early  communion).  The  exercises 
may  be  confined  to  the  knights  and  those 
about  to  become  so,  or,  as  in  this  suggested 
form,  the  actual  conferring  of  the  knight- 
hood, may  be  before  the  whole  Castle.  This 
form  was  prepared  by  collaboration  with 
the  Rev.  W.  E.  Hayes,  of  All  Saint's  P.  E. 
Church,    San    Francisco. 


The  First  Stage  :    Devotional 

(^  Knights  and  Candidates  present.  At  a 
signal  all  kneel  or  rise.) 

M.  Almighty  God,  unto  whom  all  hearts 
are  open,  all  desires  known,  and  from 
whom  no  secrets  are  hid;  Cleanse  the 
thoughts  of  our  hearts  by  the  inspiration 
of  thy  Holy  Spirit,  that  we  may  perfectly 
love  Thee,  and  worthily  magnify  Thy 
Name;  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord. 
Amen. 

M.  explains  the  manner  and  meaning  of 
the  ceremony  of  knighting  in  ancient  times 
(See  Bulfinch's  Age  of  Chivalry). 

M.  Calls  upon  the  candidates  to  repeat 
the  Ten  Commandments,  one  by  one,  set- 
ting forth  after  each  the  principle  sug- 
gested. After  each  commandment  and  ques- 
tion he  makes  a  pause. 


24 


KNIGHTS     OF     KING     ARTHUR 


25 


1.  Have  I  placed  obedience  to  God  con- 
stantly before  me  as  the  highest  aim  of  my 
life? 

2.  Have  I  worshipped  Him  in  sincerity 
and  truth,  meaning  the  words  I  took  upon 
my  lips? 

3.  Have  I  spoken  or  thought  lightly  or 
irreverently  of  sacred  things,  especially  of 
the  Name  that  is  above  every  name? 

4.  Have  I  endeavored  to  make  Sunday 
a  holy  day,  a  day  of  rest  and  loving  service  ? 

5.  Have  I  given  due  respect,  gratitude 
and  obedience  to  my  parents,  my  teachers 
and  those  in  authority? 

6.  Have  I  cherished  ill  will  in  my  heart 
toward  anyone? 

7.  Have  I  been  pure  in  thought,  word 
and  deed? 

8.  Have  I  taken  aught  that  was  not  mine 
without  the  owner's  consent? 

9.  Have  I  spoken  untruth  or  unkindness 
of  my  fellows  and  have  I  been  always  a 
true  friend? 

10.  Have  I  been  discontented  and  un- 
happy or  have  I  wished  for  what  was  an- 
other's ? 

After  this  personal  confession  made  by 
each  to  his  own  soul,  Merlin  asks  for  tne 
repetition  one  by  one  of  the  Beatitudes, 
asking  after  each  the  following  question : 

I.  Am  I  willing  to  practice  the  presence 
of  God  and  to  learn  and  do  the  laws  of  the 
Kingdom  to  which  I  belong? 

^     2.  Am   I   willing  to   be  patient,   hopeful 
that  I  shall  some  day  be  content? 

3.  Am  I  willing  to  seek  "the  charity  that 
cannot  believe,  the  ignorance  that  will  not 
know,  the  gentleness  that  will  not  con- 
demn the  sins  of  others?" 

4.  Am  I  always  eager  to  obey  the 
heavenly  vision,  to  do  according  to  the  pat- 
tern shown  me  in  the  mount,  to  follow 
Jesus? 

5.  Will  I  be  merciful,  always  a  chivalrous 
knight  of  Christ? 

6.  Will  I  be  pure  as  he  who  won  the 
Siege  Perilous  and  saw  the  Holy  Grail? 


7  Will  I  wield  the  sword  that  is  bathed 
in  heaven? 

8.  Will  I  become  unpopular,  misunder- 
stood, neglected,  if  need  be  to  be  num- 
bered with  those  who  seek  a  better  coun- 
try, that  is  a  heavenly,  even  the  city  that 
hath  foundations,  the  Kingdom  of  God 
among  men? 

After  the  self-consecration  thus  ex- 
pressed in  silence  M.  leads  in  the  General 
Confession  (from  the  prayer  book),  reads 
one  or  more  of  the  prayers  mentioned  on 
page  s6,  or,  if  he  so  desires,  offers  an  ex- 
tempore prayer. 

At  the  close  of  prayer  the  knights  and 
candidates  may  take  supper  together,  re- 
turning for 

The  Second  Stage:   Symbolical 

(Knights  lead  candidates  dressed  as 
Esquires  blindfolded  into  the  Castle  Hall, 
led  by  a  procession  carrying  tapers.  M. 
follows.     Processional  hymn). 

M.  We  are  now  in  the  great  hall  of  King 
Arthur.  Let  us  await  in  silence  the  com- 
mands of  the  King. 

K.  Whom  have  you  there.  Sir? 

M.  An  Esquire  seeking  knighthood. 

K.  Has  he  fasted  and  witnessed  a  good 
confession? 

M.  He  has.  (The  tapers  are  extin- 
guished). 

K.  Show  him  then  the  symbols  ot  the 
honorable  degree  which  he  desires  to  enter. 
I  beseech  you.  Sir  (or  Sirs),  ponder  the 
teachings  of  our  good  counsellor.  Sir 
Merlin. 

(The  cross  is  shown). 

M.  What  seest  thou,   friend? 

Cand.  I  see  the  cross. 

M.  That  cross  is  the  symbol  of  faith, 
through  which  the  knights  of  old  subdued 
kingdoms,  wrought  righteousness,  obtained 
promises,  stopped  the  mouth  of  lions, 
quenched  the  power  of  fire,  escaped  the 
edge  of  the  sword,  from  weakness  were 
made  strong,  waxed  mighty  in  fight,  turned 
to  flight  armies  of  aliens. 

(Processional). 


26 


BOYS'     ROUND     TABLE 


K.  Show  him  the  second  grand  light  of 
knighthood. 
M.  What  seest  thou,  friend? 
(The  book  is  shown). 
Cand.  I  see  a  book. 

M.  That  Book  is  a  symbol  of  hope.  For 
whatsoever  things  were  written  aforetime, 
were  written  for  our  learning,  that  through 
patience  and  through  comfort  of  the  Scrip- 
tures, we  might  have  hope. 

(Processional.) 

K.  Show  him  the  third  grand  light  of 
knighthood.     What  seest  thou,  friend? 

(The  heart  is  shown). 

C.  I  see  a  heart. 

M.  That  heart  is  the  symbol  of  love. 
Love  your  Master,  Christ,  and  follow  Him 
faithfully  through  life  and  through  death. 
(Pause). 

Let  us  now  continue  our  quest,  until,  if 
so  be,  we  may  catch  a  vision  of  the  Holy 
Grail. 

Candidate  is  led  to  another  room  or 
another  part  of  this  room  blindfolded. 
Music  or  a  hymn.  Silence.  A  figure  of 
the  Holy  Grail  (illuminated  with  phos- 
phorus) is  seen  in  the  distance.  Chords 
or  bugle. 

Silence. 

M.  What  do  you  see? 

C.  The  Holy  Grail. 

M.  Let  this  sacred  emblem  remind  you 
that  you  have  entered  upon  a  quest  more 
glorious  than  any  which  incited  the  knights 
of  old.  You  are  pressing  toward  the  mark 
for  the  prize  of  the  high  calling  of  God  in 
Christ  Jesus. 

(The  Grail  is  left  in  sight.  After  a  pause 
the  lights  are  turned  suddenly  on). 

Third  Stage:  The  Knighting 

A  Conclave  is  opened  in  due  form  at 
th-3  or  another  time  with  the  full  Castle 
present.  At  the  place  indicated  for  initia- 
tions in  the  Conclave  ritual,  M.  approaches 
the  throne  with  Cand.     (Both  kneel). 

M.  Sir  Pendragon,  this  esquire  desires 
to  become  a  knight. 


K.  Is  his  heart  prepared  for  the  duties 
and  responsibilities  of  this  high  degree? 
M.  I  trust  so. 


K.  Sir 


have  you   seriously  con- 


sidered and  duly  weighed  the  meaning  of 
membership  in  this  degree? 

Cand.  I  have. 

K.  Are  you  with  true  and  honest  heart 
ready  to  take  the  pledge  of  knighthood? 

Cand.  I  am. 

K.  Lead  him  to  the  altar.  (Silence. 
Twelve  strokes  of  a  bell  are  sounded.  He 
is  surrounded  by  knights).  Form  the  cir- 
cle of  knightly  brotherhood  (hands  joined). 
Standing  by  this  altar  within  the  unbroken 
circle  of^  your  brethren,  do  you  covenant 
with  them  and  with  your  own  heart  to 
serve  your  Master,  the  Church,  and  this 
Order,  as  a  true  Christian  knight? 

Cand.  I  do. 

(King  retires  to  throne). 

Hymn  (optional)  "The  Son  of  God  goes 
forth  to  war."    Or: 

Along  the  weary,  dusty  way. 

The   sufifering   Savior  went. 
Upon  His  heart  our  sorrows  lay. 

The  cross   His  shoulders  bent. 

He  fell,  and  though  they  laughed  in  hate, 
They   saw    His   strength   was   gone; 

They  seized  a  youth  to  share  the  weight, 
And  thus  they  bore  it  on. 

To-day  we  stand  beside  the  road 

Whereon  our  brethren  go. 
Each  bears  his  cross,   a  weary  load 

Of   sin,   perchance,   or  woe. 

Shall  our  young  strength  remain  at  ease, 

Our  love  to   Christ  so  dim. 
When  they  who  bear  the  cross  for  these 

Are   beari.ig  it   for   Him! 

Let   now   our  brotherly   love  be   shown, 

Our  brother's   load  to  share; 
Our  Christ  shall   never  bend  alone 

'Neath  burdens  we  can  bear. 

K.  (raising  Excalibur)  I,  Arthur  Pen- 
dragon,  head  of  this  Castle  of  the  Order 
of  the  Knights  of  King  Arthur,  do  hereby 
admit  thee  to  the  rank  of  knighthood  and 

dub  thee  Sir (Strikes  three  times). 

Arise.  Sir . 


KNIGHTS    OF    KING    ARTHUR 


27 


(After  all  have  been  thus  received,  K. 
says)  : 

K.  Receive  the  insignia  of  your  rank. 

(The  Lady  of  the  Lake  or  M.  invest 
each  with  white  robe,  baldric,  spurs  and 
sword). 

K.  You  may  follow  Sir  M.  for  enroll- 
ment. 

(All  kneel  in  double  lines  and  M.  and 
new  knights  pass  down.  After  the  enroll- 
ment, all  rise.  The  new  knights  are  re- 
ceived into  an  inner  circle,  the  esquires 
and  pages  surrounding  them  by  an  outer 
circle.     All  join  hands). 

K.  What  is  the  motto  of  our  Order? 

All.  MY  SWORD  SHALL  BE  BATHED 
IN  HEAVEN. 

K.  Let  this  be  your  motto  also,  Sir 
Knight.  Salute  the  newly  elected  knights. 
(All  welcome  them). 


Explanations 

Instead  of  transparencies,  pictures  may 
be  shown  by  the  stereopticon  and  every 
effort  should  be  made  by  quietness  and 
reverence  of  demeanor  to  impress  the 
solemnity  cf  the  occasion  which  marks  the 
end  of  boyish  play  and  the  great  consecra- 
tions of  the  approach  of  manhood.  The 
ceremony  should  in  no  .sense  be  made  a 
substitute  to  that  of  becoming  a  church 
member  nor  should  it  ever  become  a  rival 
of  that.  It  should  rather  follow  it  and 
simply  be  a  seal  to  it  in  this  Christian  fra- 
ternity. It  will  make  church  membership 
seem  more  real.  Even  boys  who  are  church 
members  should  not  be  called  knights  until 
they  have  served  the  six  months  to  be  made 
esquires.  This  will  prevent  any  clique  of 
self-constituted  leaders  at  the  start  or  any 
possibility  that  church  membership  will  be 
sought  as  a  step  to  knighthood  in  the 
Castle. 


The  Siege  Perilous  and  the  Peerage 


ESIDES  the  degrees  of  Page,  Esquire 
and  Knight,  the  order  has  a  series  of 
honorable  ranks  called  the  Peerage. 
They  are  in  order  as  follows:  Baronet, 
Baron,  Viscount,  Earl,  Marquis,  Duke  and 
Prince.  The  lowest  of  these,  Baronet,  is 
given  by  the  local  Castle.  The  rest  are 
given  by  the  Order.  They  are  achieved  as 
follows,  being  arranged  so  that  they  are 
open  to  the  individual  member  as  well  as 
to  the  boys  who  meet  in  Castle : 


tie    of    thirty    members,    for   completing   a 
third  Reading  Course. 

Marquis 

The  Order  gives  this  rank:  for  complet- 
ing a  fourth  Reading  Course,  for  achieving 
the  Siege  Perilous  in  a  Castle  thrice,  to 
Merlins  of  provinces  (or  groups  of  Castles) 
of  the  Order. 

Duke 


Baronet 

The  model  Castle  Constitution  says: 
"When  a  great  deed  of  brawn  or  brain  or 
knightliness  hath  been  done  by  a  brother 
it  shall  be  told  to  Merlin  and  by  him  to  the 
King,  etc.  Then  for  one  whole  Conclave 
shall  he  be  hailed  as  Sir  Galahad  and  all 
his  life  long  thereafter  he  shall  be  a  Bar- 
onet." The  local  Castle  thus  honors  with 
the  Siege  Perilous  its  athletes,  class  lead- 
ers, orators  and  heroes  for  their  achiev- 
ments. 

Baron 

The  Order  gives  the  rank  of  Baron  as 
follows:  for  long  service  (for  active  mem- 
bership in  the  Order  three  years),  for  dis- 
tinguished service  to  the  Order  (to  any 
person  who  founds  a  Castle  of  ten  mem- 
bers), for  victory  in  inter-Castle  athletics 
or  for  completing  the  first  Reading  Course, 
presented  by  the  local  Merlin  or  by  the 
national  King  Arthur. 

Viscount 

The  Order  gives  this  rank:  for  active 
membership'  four  years,  for  founding  a 
Castle  of  twenty  members,  for  victory  in 
inter-Castle  literary  or  oratorical  tourna- 
ments, or  for  completing  a  second  Read- 
ing Course. 

Earl 

The  Order  gives  this  rank:  for  active 
membership  five  years,  for  founding  a  Cas- 

28 


The  Order  gives  this  rank,  at  its  option, 
not  for  any  specified  effort,  but  for  such 
remarkable  service  to  the  Order,  such 
knightly  achievement,  or  such  heroic  deeds 
as  it  desires  to  honor.  A  Duke  is 
ex  officio  a  life  Chancellor  of  the  Order. 

Prince 

The  Order  gives  this  rank:  (the  full 
title  is  Prince  Galahad  of  Caerleon)  not 
oftener  than  oiice  a  year  and  to  no  more 
than  one  person  a  year,  to  one  who  shall 
be  adjudged  to  have  been  that  year  the 
most  knightly  of  all  the  Brotherhood. 

Titles 

A  Baronet  may  write  "Bart."  after  his 
name  and  should  be  enrolled  by  his  rank 
in  the  Castle  roll.  A  Baron  is  to  be 
spoken  of  as  a  "Lord,"  a  Viscount  as 
"Count,"  an  Earl  as  "Earl,"  etc.  They  are 
spoken  to  as  "your  Lordship,"  if  that 
doesn't  seem  too  humorous.  A  Baron 
assumes  the  name  of  his  Castle  to  add  to 
his  title.  Thus,  Frank  Percy  on  joining 
the  Knighthood  chooses  the  title  Gareth 
and  become  "Sir  Gareth."  Being  raised  to 
the  Siege  Perilous,  he  adds  "Bart."  Being 
raised  to  the  Barony,  and  being  a  member 
of  Castle  Perth,  he  is  "Sir  Gareth,  Baron 
of  Perth."  If  he  attains  an  Earldom  he  is 
"Earl  of  Perth,"  etc.  He  is  so  enrolled  in 
his  Castle  and  by  the  Mage  Merlin  of  the 
Order  "at  Caerleon"  (the  seat  of  the 
Order ;  the  word  means :  "Castle  of  the 
Legions.") 


KNIGHTS   OF   KING   ARTHUR 


29 


Diplomas 

The  Order  furnishes  diplomas  for  tht 
Peerage.  (See  page  46.)  The  decora- 
tions  are   optional. 

Why  We  Do  This 

We  give  these  ranks  not  to  be  inconsis- 
tent with  our  republican  simplicity,  not  to 
ape  monarchism,  but  to  furnish  rewards 
for  real  effort,  open  to  all,  rewards  prec- 
ious because  they  are  novel,  intangible  and 
uncommon.  Local  Castles  need  not  use 
them,  but  we  believe  that,  where  used, 
they  encourage  long  service,  good  work 
and  high  achievement,  and  being  carefully 
arranged  to  reward  every  kind  of  lawful 
endeavor,  to  recognize  faithfulness  as  well 
a.<?  natural  ability,  and  the  individual  boy 
as  well  as  the  Castle  boy,  they  will  not 
stimulate  jealousy  or  cause  any  feelings  but 
friendly  emulation. 


Special  Rituals 

The  conferring  of  the  Siege  Perilous  or 
of  the  Kingship,  if  it  be  an  office  held  for  a 
term,  and  of  the  ranks  of  the  Peerage  may 
be  made  occasions  of  special  or  public  cere- 
monial, with  special  rituals  composed  by 
the  Merlin  or  a  committee  of  members.  A 
form  for  the  purpose  of  initiating  members 
into  new  Castles  is  now  available.  (See 
page  42.) 

Excellent  original  forms  for  special  occa- 
sions have  been  composed  as  follows:  for 
the  third  degree  and  for  conferring  king- 
ship by  the  Rev.  W.  E.  Hayes,  Rector  of 
All  Saints  Church,  San  Francisco,  for  the 
second  degree  by  the  Rev.  F.  W.  Gibbs,  of 
Amesbury,  Mass.,  for  initiating  a  new 
Castle  by  Miss  A.  B.  Mackintire,  of  Cam- 
bridge, Mass.,  and  are  now  available. 


A   KNIGHTLY  DEED 


How  to  Conduct  a^  Ce^stle 


jSr  AVING  studied  carefully  this  manual 
^-y     and  mastered  the  outline  of  the  King 

^  Arthur  legend  (the  best  version  is  that 
of  Mary  Macleod),  the  leader  should  call  the 
boys  together  and  explain  what  he  proposes 
to  do.  It  is  well  to  tell  only  a  few  things 
first,  always  having  something  in  reserve 
for  a  surprise  and  novelty.  If  the  boys 
are  rather  young  or  backward,  the  leader 
may  for  a  time  simply  give  them  their 
Castle  names  and  conduct  the  club  infor- 
mally until  he  thinks  they  are  ready  to 
settle  down  for  a  formal  Conclave.  The 
first  initiation  should  be  given  to  the  boys 
if  possible  by  some  neighboring  Castle,  one 
boy  being  selected  by  lot  to  be  initiated 
ill  behalf  of  all  the  rest,  the  others  also 
taking  the  obligations.  If  this  is  not  prac- 
ticable have  some  young  men  of  character 
in  the  church  do  it  or  a  half  a  dozen  of  the 
most  competent  boys  trained  to  perform 
the  initiation  upon  one  of  the  others. 

It  may  be  added  here  that  the  success  of 
the  Castle  will  be  almost  doubled  if  there 
is  another  Castle  near  by  with  which  to 
compete.  It  is  the  custom  of  the  National 
King  Arthur  to  inform  all  new  Castles 
upon  organization  of  the  location  of  neigh- 
boring Castles.  If  there  are  several  Castles 
in  the  near  vicinity,  it  is  desirable  to  have  an 
occasional  meeting  for  conference,  and  to 
organize  some  activities  in  common. 

In  conducting  a  Castle  there  are  at  least 
four  important  things  which  are  to  be 
used  for  influence  upon  the  boys.  The 
first  is  personality.  The  strongest  influence 
in  the  Castle  will  be  that  of  the  Merlin,  who 
by  his  own  inculcation  and  exemplification 
of  knightly  virtues  will  uplift  all  the  boys. 
If  the  Castle  is  connected  with  a  church 
every  effort  should  be  made  to  strengthen 
the  influence  of  the  pastor,  the  church  ser- 
vice, the  Sunday  school  and  the  good  men 
and  women  of  the  church.  The  Castle 
should  always  work  in  the  closest  harmony 
with  the  home.  Some  parents  will  not 
understand  at  first  what  is  being  attempted, 
others  will  be  indifferent.  The  early  op- 
portunity should  be  given  them  to  attend 
a  regular  or  special  Conclave.  The  hour 
of  meeting  should  be  one  that  will  not  in- 


terfere with  home  work.  If  in  the  even- 
ing, the  session  should  close  very  early. 
Much  of  the  Castle  writing  and  handicraft 
work  can  be  done  at  home.  At  least  once 
a  year  some  exhibition  should  be  given  to 
show  the  public  the  purpose  and  results  of 
the  work.  By  no  personalities  are  the 
boys  more  influenced  than  by  each  other. 
In  every  group  there  are  one  or  more  key- 
boys.  These  should  be  studied,  mastered, 
held  in  restraint  or  encouraged  as  may  be 
necessary  to  help  the  rest. 

The  second  influence  is  that  of  heroism. 
This  is  the  characteristic  of  this  method. 
In  addition  to  taking  the  names  of  heroes 
and  studying  their  lives,  imitating  the 
heroic  age  in  the  rituals  and  entering  into 
the  heroic  atmosphere,  many  other  meth- 
ods may  be  suggested.  The  Castle  may  be 
encouraged  to  buy  books  of  heroic  biog- 
raphy. Great  men,  alive  or  dead,  may  be 
enrolled  as  honorary  members.  Men  of 
achievement  and  noble  character  may  be 
invited  to  address  the  Castle.  Portraits 
of  such  men  should  adorn  the  Castle 
wall.  A  special  scrap-book  may  be 
purchased,  to  which  should  be  added 
a  portrait  of  some  hero  at  each  meeting. 
The  portraits  of  modern  heroes  may  be 
taken  from  the  newspapers  and  these  form 
a  record  of  current  events.  Let  the  roll  be 
called  by  an  answer  from  each  boy  of  some 
event  of  the  week.  The  "Record  of  Virtiie 
Contest"  is  a  plan  of  competition  in  which 
the  boys  bring  pictures  of  their  own  chosen 
heroes.  The  birthdays  of  the  heroes  for 
whom  these  are  named  may  be  recorded  and 
celebrated.  A  calendar  may  be  compiled 
n]arking  each  day  of  the  year  that  is ;  a 
birthday  of  a  hero.  Each  boy  may  be  eti- 
couraged  to  select  a  motto  for  himself,  if 
possible  from  the  words  of  his  namesake. 
The  Order  offers  its  honors,  as  elsewheTC 
explained,  for  a  Reading  Course.  This 
course  may  be  chosen  by  the  Merlin,  but 
must  comprise  at  least  five  books  and 'a 
composition.  The  suggested  course  is  as 
follows :  J 

I.  Theodore  Roosevelt's  "Hera  T-aies-^f 
American  History." 

31 


32 


BOYS'    ROUND    TABLE 


2.  Bulfinch's  "Age  of  Chivalry." 

3.  Kipling's   "Captains   Courageous." 

4.  Charles  Reade's  "The  Cloister  and  the 

Hearth,"  or  Thackeray's  "  Henry  Es- 
mond." 

5.  The  Gospel  of  Luke. 

6.  A    Composition:      "The   Most   Heroic 

Deed  of  Which  I  Know." 

One  or  more  of  these  books  may  be  read 
aloud  in  the  Castle. 

The  King  Arthur  idea  may  be  applied  in 
the  Sunday  school,  the  class  becoming  a 
Castle  and  such  part  of  the  Castle  work  as 
is  appropriate  being  done  in  the  class.  In 
studying  the  Bible  characters,  their  heroic 
traits  may  be  pointed  out  and  it  might  be 
imagined  by  the  boys  that  they  were  ancient 
members  of  our  order.  When  interest  in  the 
lesson  lags,  the  teacher  might  suggest  this 
question:  What  would  King  Arthur  do 
under  the  circumstances  of  this  lesson?  A 
whole  system  of  ethics  may  be  built  up 
around    the    question :    What    would    King 


CAPE   REGALIA 


Arthur  do  if  he  were  to  return  to  the 
world  to-day?  The  heroic  virtues  may  be 
inculcated  not  only  by  study  but  also  b> 
exercise. 

The  third  means  of  influence  is  out-of- 
doors,  God's  own  country  for  boys.  Our 
order  recognizes  that  here  rather  than  sit- 
ting still  in  a  meeting  a  boy  is  most  at 
home.  The  Castle  should  have  "Quests." 
The  boys  may  take  walks  to  battle  fields 
or  historic  sites.  Boys  may  be  sent  out  by 
twos  to  visit  such  places  and  return  to  re- 
port. Such  reports  may  be  made  of  visits 
in  summer  vacations.  In  the  winter  the 
boys  might  buy  a  stereopticon  and  take  im- 
aginary tours  to  places  they  cannot  visit, 
the  pictures  of  these  places  being  thrown 
upon  the  screen  while  a  boy  gives  a  descrip- 
tion or  tells  the  history.  In  the  darkness 
a  boy  will  have  more  courage  to  do  this 
than  in  the  light.  Pictures  of  heroes  of 
history  may  be  shown  in  this  manner.  The 
boys  who  are  named  for  living  heroes  may 
be  required  to  relate  their  deeds  as  they 
occur.  Visits  may  be  made  to  the  homes 
of  refined  men  and  women,  and  to  the 
parents  of  members.  Quests  of  mercy 
should  be  undertaken,  by  visiting  the  sick 
and  singing  in  hospitals  or  almshouses,  etc. 
No  means  is  more  efficient  for  developing 
strength  of  character  than  a  summer  camp, 
with  its  hardships,  discomforts  and  adven- 
tur-es.  When  this  is  not  practicable  there 
may  at  least  be  a  Conclave  in  the  woods  or 
an  athletic  field-day.  Such  contests  may 
be  held  in  imitation  of  knightly  tourna 
ments.  The  heroic  idea  is  emphasized  in 
taking  the  third  degree  by  fasting  before 
the  ceremony. 

The  fourth  method  is  by  handicraft. 
This  is  being  much  emphasised  to-day  for 
its  effect  upon  will  power  and  force  of 
character.  Boys  who  have  come  from  the 
Captains  of  Ten  or  have  had  manual  train- 
ing in  the  public  schools  will  possess  some 
skill  in  this  direction.  All  paraphernalii 
that  is  used  in  the  Castle  should  be  made  if 
possible  by  the  boys  themselves.  If  col- 
lections are  undertaken,  a  study  is  pursued 
or  an  entertainment  given,  the  properties 
for  this  should  be  made  in  the  Castle. 
The  handicraft  method  of  Bible  study 
is  open  to  boys*.  In  using  w^ater  col- 
ors, the  boys  may  also  design  and  exe- 


KNIGHTS   OF   KING  ARTHUR 


33 


GOWN    REGALIA 

cute  their  own  coats  of  arms,  illuminate 
rolls  and  diplomas  used  in  the  Castle, 
paint  their  banners,  and  make  posters  for 
church  use. 

No  regalia  is  necessary  and  none  is  pre- 
scribed by  the  order.  Not  only  is  it  de- 
sirable that  the  boys  should  make  what- 
ever is  used,  but  it  is  well  that  it  should 
not  be  expensive.  The  following  sugges- 
tions are  made:  We  should  advocate  as 
the  first  equipment,  scarfs  or  sashes  for  the 
members  to  wear  at  Conclave.  These  are 
of  cloth  and  a  little  over  two  yards  long 
and  six  or  eight  inches  wide.  They  may  be 
all  red  or  for  the  Pages  of  blue,  for  the 
Esquires  red,  for  Knights  white.  The  mater- 
ial .should  be  cheap  cashmere,  turkey  red  or 
other  light  cotton  goods,  costing  not  more 
than  ten  cents  a  yard.  They  are  worn 
over  the  right  shoulder  and  under  the  left 


arm.  Upon  the  shoulder  or  breast  should 
be  fastened  a  large  white  maltese  cross 
made  from  pasteboard  or  celluloid. 

The  Pages  are  entitled  to  bear  spears, 
the  Esquires  shields  and  the  Knights 
swords.  The  spears  may  be  a  light 
staff  and  should  bear  at  the  top  a 
bannerette  containing  the  colors  or  coat  of 
arms  selected  by  the  owner.  This  is  to  be 
borne  in  processionals  and  kept  upright  at 
his  seat  at  Conclave.  The  sword  may  be 
made  from  a  lath  whittled,  with  a  handle 
affixed  and  covered  with  gilt  or  silver  pa- 
per. The  shield  may  be  made  by  covering 
a  hoop  with  a  red  cloth  and  placing  a  white 
cross  or  the  Knight's  name  or  motto  upon 
its  surface.  The  officers  may  later  have  robes, 
but  at  first  may  simply  have  the  badges  of 
the  proper  color  to  indicate  their  rank. 
The  King's  robe  may  be  purple,  the  Mer- 
lin's black,  the  Seneschal's  green,  the  Con- 
stable's yellow  and  the  Sentinel's  brown. 
Over  these  robes  are  worn  the  member's 
scarfs  or  colors.  Thus  a  red  scarf  worn 
over  the  purple  robe  would  indicate  that 
an  Esquire  is  acting  as  King. 

The  badge  of  the  Order  is  a  white  mal- 
tese cross  upon  a  red  background.  This 
may  be  made  of  red  satin  ribbon  with  the 
cross  embroidered  in  silk  or  made  of  white 
celluloid.  The  members  of  the  Peerage 
are  entitled  to  wear  special  badges,  made 
of  ribbon  as  follows : 

Baronet,  gold  ribbon,  with  one  blue 
bar. 

Baron,  gold  ribbon,  with  one  red  bar. 

Viscount,  gold  ribbon,  with  one  white 
bar. 

Earl,  gold  ribbon,  with  two  blue  bars. 

Marquis,  gold  ribbon,  with  two  red 
bars. 

Duke,  gold  ribbon,  with  two  white  bars. 

National  King,  gold  ribbon. 

Prince  Galahad,  white  ribbon. 

A  special  uniform  might  be  made  to  be 
worn  by  the  csndidate  when  he  is  initiated. 
Thus  a  baldric,  a  white  leather  belt,  em- 
broidered with  gold,  with  special  sword, 
and  golden  spurs  may  be  made  for  the 
conferring  of  Knighthood. 

The  garb  of  a  candidate  for  Page  is 
a  ragged"  coat,  of  a  member  candidate  for  a 
higher  degree  the  scarf  or  uniform  of  his 


34 


IBOYS'    ROUND    TABLE 


degree  which  would  be  changed  during  his 
initiation  for  the  insignia  of  the  next 
higher  degree. 

Some  Castles  may  get  so  far  as  to  have 
inexpensive  jackets  of  the  proper  color 
tor  Page,  Esquire  and  Knight. 

All  these  things,  it  may  be  seen,  can  be 
made  by  the  boys  themselves  or  by  their 
friends  and  .it  very  small  cost.  The  pro- 
viding of  them  and  making  of  them  in  the 
Castle  meetings  will  keep  up  a  continued 
interest. 

Should  the  boys  be  experts  in  carving, 
1  handsome  Siege  Perilous  or  throne  might 
be  the  product  of  their  handiwork. 

For  the  Castle  use  and  for  visitations, 
an  American  fiag  and  a  Castle  banner  may 
be  provided.  The  Castle  banner  may  at 
fust  be  merely  a  square  of  red  cashmere 
with  a  cross  of  white  or  silver  paper. 
Later  the  patron  ladies  of  the  Castle  will 
be  ready  to  give  a  silk,  embroidered  banner. 

Many  Castles  have  originated  local  em- 
blems of  their  own.  We  shall  be  glad  to 
learn  what  some  of  these  original  ideas 
are.  Except  in  the  use  of  the  white  mal- 
tese  cross  and  the  colors  of  the  Order,  red 
and  white,  it  is  not  desired  that  the  Castles 
•hould  attempt  complete  uniformity  of 
apparatus. 

It  should  be  emphasized  that  all  para- 
phernalia except  the  street  badges  are  the 
property  of  the  Castle  and  not  of  the  indi- 
vidual members,  are  never  to  be  taken  from 
the  hall  and  are  never  to  be  worn  by  one 
who  is  not  a  member. 

Besides  these,  the  Order  furnishes  other 
means  of  influence.  The  three  rising  de- 
grees, as  may  be  seen,  lead  upward  in  moral 
directions;  that  of  Esquire  encouraging 
those  virtues  in  which  boys  are  often  lack- 
ing and  that  of  Knight  Christian  confes- 
sion, of  which  boys  are  often  ashamed. 
The  giving  of  the  rank  of  Chamberlain  for 
good  behavior  with  its  coveted  privilege 
of  taking  part  in  the  initiation,  and  that 
of  Chancellor  for  attendance  and  interest, 
the  gaining  of  the  honor  of  the  Siege  Per- 
ilous and  the  ranks  of  the  Peerage,  offered 
tor  long  membership,  services  to  the  Or- 
der and  laborious  achievements,  accomplish 
much  in  uplifting  the  standard  of  character 
among  the  boys.  The  bearing  of  a  noble 
name  and  a  coat  of  arms  does  more  than 


one  can  think  to  ennoble  the  ideals  and  the 
daily  conduct.  Everywhere  in  the  Ca.s- 
tle  the  boy  should  get  what  he  deserves. 
If  he  will  not  learn  his  part,  he  should  not 
be  allowed  to  hold  his  position.  In  some 
Castles,  there  is  a  Council  of  the  Peers 
who  affix  "brands,"  which  are  the  opposite 
to  honors  for  certain  derelictions.  The 
thoughtful  address  by  the  Merlin  or  advice 
of  some  invited  guest  at  each  initiation 
summing  up  the  lesson  of  the  evening,  ts 
valuable  in  dignifying  what  otherwise  "^ 
might  be  mere  play. 

As  to  methods  to  be  used  other  than 
those  peculiar  to  the  Order,  the  local  needs 
ot  the  boys  must  decide.  Some  of  those 
which  have  been  found  useful  are  as  fol- 
lows:  Collections  of  stamps,  pictures  or 
minerals,  talks  by  sea  captams  or  those 
who  have  travelled,  the  taking  home  of 
unknown  objects  to  identify  them,  divid- 
ing the  Castle  into  two  parties — named  per- 
haps "White  Rose"  and  "Red  Rose" — who 
shall  compete  in  furnishing  the  best  pro- 
gram for  a  meeting,  parliamentary  prac- 
tice, holding  a  mock  trial  or  mock  town 
meeting  or  election  or  inauguration  of  a 
national  president,  or  giving  a  play  or 
tableaux,  pantomime  of  "Hiawatha,"  etc, 
with  music,  drills,,  etc.,  walks  to  homes  at  a 
distance  and  taking  refreshments  along, 
Castle  group  pictures  taken  each  year,  ap- 
pointing boys  as  servitors  to  assist  in  younger 
boys'  clubs,  the  round  robin  letter  during 
separation  in  vacation,  a  summer  camp  with 
its  quests  and  journeys,  etc.  Besides  these, 
all  social  games  which  may  be  played  by 
a  group  of  boys  may  be  used,  methods  of 
other  boys'  clubs  may  be  admitted  or 
adopted  and  the  Castle  affiliated  with  such 
other  societies  as  the  Brotherhood  of  An- 
drew and  Philip  or  the  Boys'  Brigade,  etc. 
A  Directory  of  such  organizations  for  boys 
may  be  secured  from  Mr.  Masseck  for 
twenty-five  cents.  An  interesting  organ- 
ization is  called  the  Boys'  Life  Brigade. 
Its  motto  is:  To  Win  Life,  to  Help  Life, 
and  to  Save  Life.  Its  methods  are  am- 
bulance drill,  fire  drill,  life-saving  drill, 
health  talks  and  deeds  of  helpfulness. 

Ordinarily  it  is  better  for  the  boys  to 
meet  by  themselves,  but  as  they  grow  older 
an  occasional  ladies'  night  will  be  popular. 

This  description  of  methods  would  not  be 


/ERSITY 

OF 
^LIFORNJ^ 

KNIGHTS   OF   KING  ARTHUR 


35 


complete  without  emphasizing  the  neces- 
sity of  doing  something  for  someone  else. 
The  Castle  organization  furnishes  excel- 
lent opportunity  for  instruction  in  missions 
and  work  in  their  behalf.  The  heroism 
oi  missionary  effort  may  by  impressed  by 
giving  some  of  the  boys  names  of  mission- 
ary heroes  and  thus  encouraging  the  study 
.of  missionary  biography.  Some  of  this 
may  be  done  by  means  of  the  following 
books :  Wilfred  T.  Grenfell,  Vikings  of  To- 
day, $1.25  ;  David  Livingstone,  by  A.  Monte- 
fiore,  $.75,  or  by  Mrs.  F.  S.  Worcester, 
$.15;  John  G.  Paton's  Life,  $1.50;  Cyrus 
Hamlin's  My  Life  and  Times,  $1.50; 
Henry  M.  Stanley,  by  A.  Montefiore,  $75; 
General  Gordon,  by  S.  Barnett  Smith,  $.75 ; 
James  Chalmers'  Life,  etc. 

Besides  this,  missionary  rallies  may  be 
given  and  charitable  and  social  efforts  may 
be  made  as  "Quests."  Men  of  achieve- 
ment or  philanthropic  service  introduced 
as  speakers  may  be  regarded  as  visiting 
knights  and  a  missionary  to  whose  support 
the  boys  give  may  be  considered  as  a  knight 
on  a  crusade  in  the  dark  lands. 

A  Sample  Winter's  Work 

At  the  first  meeting  explain  the  King 
Arthur  legend  carefully  and  with  as  attrac- 
tive a  presentation  as  possible.  Then  tell 
the  story  of  the  Order,  and  state  its  aims. 
Then  explain  carefully  each  section  of  the 
Constitution.  Let  the  boys  vote  to  organ- 
ize and  to  adopt  the  Constitution  as 
amended  by  yourself.  Announce  the  fol- 
lowing officers  whom  yoxi  have  previously 
selected  with  care:  Kay,  the  Seneschal, 
the  most  trustworthy  boy  of  them  all,  to 
be  your  assistant,  three  of  the  older  boys 
for  Chancellors,  seven  of  the  best  behaved 
boys  for  Chamberlains — these  all  for  six 
months — and  one  for  King  at  the  next 
meeting.  Announce  some  special  attrac- 
tion for  the  next  meeting. 

At  an  early  meeting  begin  to  talk  about 
initiations.  First,  distribute  the  Conclave 
cards  and  have  the  boys  go  through  the 
exercises  as  well  as  possible.  If  a  boy 
willfully  continues  in  disturbance  send  him 
quietly  home.  Begin  on  the  understanding 
that  it  is  no  fun  for  the  sinner  or  for  any- 
body else  to  spoil  the  meeting.  At  the 
point  in  the  card  where  initiations  are  men- 


tioned carefully  explain  their  purpose  and 
outline  the  first  one.  Having  arranged 
now,  if  not  before,  for  the  minor  matters 
mentioned  in  the  Constitution,  such  as 
fees,  knocks,  grip,  etc.,  give  the  boys  what- 
ever attraction  you  have  ready,  and  if  your 
first  initiation  is  to  be  given  by  your  own 
boys  ask  the  Chamberlains  to  stay  and  re- 
hearse the  first  degree. 

At  the  next  meeting  give  this  degree  to 
one  boy  as  representative  of  the  rest.  Do 
not  say  anything  about  any  more  degrees 
row.  Do  not  give  more  than  one  initiation 
in  the  evening.  Always  be  holding  back 
something  better.  Do  not  give  the  second 
degree  until  late  in  the  season  and  then 
only  to  boys  who  mean  their  pledge.  Do 
not  give  the  third  degree  more  than  once 
a  year.  Make  its  meaning  solemn.  Exam- 
me  the  boy  seriously.  Let  it  be  a  day  of 
judgment  to  him. 

All  through  the  season  make  the  initia- 
tion subsidiary  to  other  things.  Show  the 
boys  that  they  will  tire  of  it  if  it  is  given 
too  often.  To  give  it  at  all  they  must 
strive  to  bring  in  new  members.  Accom- 
pany each  degree  with  moral  training,  or- 
derly processionals,  singing,  and  every 
careful  detail  your  ingenuity  can  suggest. 
Make  the  boys  learn  their  parts.  Invite 
parents  in  when  you  have  something  good. 

Watch  the  development  of  your  boys. 
Emphasize  the  study  of  noble  deeds. 
When  you  note  a  really  worthy  achieve- 
ment in  athletics,  study  or  manliness  seat 
the  lad  on  the  Siege  Perilous. 

A  winter's  work  might  be  something  Jik* 
this,  beginning  October  i  and  closing  at 
Easter : 

1st  week — Explanations  and  Organiza- 
tion. 

2nd  week — Conduct  of  Conclave,  Special 
Attraction,  Rehearsal  of  ist  Degree. 

3rd  week — Giving  of  1st  Degree. 

4th  week — Something  else. 

5th  week —  Giving  of  ist  Degree. 

6th  week — Something  else. 

About  the  20th  week  try  the  2nd  degree. 
Near  the  close,  plan  a  public  entertainment 
and  end  the  season  by  rehearsing  and 
giving  it.  This  will  furnish  money  for  •-» 
new  season,  give  valuable  drill  and  ease 
in  public,  show  the  people  what  you  are 
doing  and  make  a  climax. 


36 


BOYS'    ROUND    TABLE 


During  the  summer  have  a  few  outdoor 
meetings,  a  field  day,  a  camp  or  something 
of  the  kind,  and  begin  again  in  earnest  as 
soon  as  it  gets  chilly  on  the  street  corners 
at  seven  o'clock.  Have  always  short  ses- 
sions and  have  them  regular. 

NAMES  SUGGESTED  FOR  CASTLES 
Cameliard,  Astolatj  Shalott,  Caerlyle, 
Lyonnesse,  Chester,  Canterbury,  Edwins- 
burg,  Lincoln,  Selwoodforest,  Stonehenge, 
Hereford,  Anglesea,  Salisbury,  Cor'fe,  Win- 
chester, :  Appledore,  lona,  of  ExcaHbur,  of 
the  Lake,  Perilous,  St.  Botolph,  Plymouth, 
Tintagil,  Ayilion,  Badbury,  York,  Tyne, 
Mona,  Anderida,  Bamborough,  Galloway, 
Oxford,  Glastonbury,  Hastings,  Ellandune, 
Scrooby,  Bawtry,  Nottingham,  Aberdeen, 
Coventry,  Montrose,  Exeter,  Litchfield, 
Peterborough,  Almesbury. 

TITLES  SUGGESTED  FOR  KNIGHTS 
I — Those  from  the  Arthur  Legend : 
Lancelot,   Percival,  Kay,  Brastias,   Bedi- 
vere,   Ulfius,   Bleys,   Gareth   Geraint,   Bors, 
Gawain,  Pellas,  Tristram,  Balin,   Ironside, 
Tor,  Ector,  Robert  Strongheart. 
2 — Those  of  other  heroes: 
Bayard,  Launfal,  Siegfried,  Tannhauser, 
Constantine,  Christopher   (Columbus),  Ra- 
leigh, Perseus,  Thor,  Ulysses   (Odysseus), 
Hector,  Alfred,  Edward,  Richard  the  Lion- 
hearted,       Horatio       (Nelson),       Ulysses 
(Grant),  Henry   (Stanley),  Charles   (Gor- 
don),  Fridjiof    (Nansen),   etc.      See    also 
page.  15. 

PRAYERS  FOR  USE  IN  THE  RITUAL 

While  the  use  of  prayer  is  not  always 

advisable    in    the    meetings,    and    while    it 


should  never  be  employed  unless  it  is  real 
prayer  and  not  a  vain  repetition,  there  are 
times,  especially  in  giving  the  higher  de- 
grees, when  it  is  very  helpful.  For  these 
purposes  a  printed  form  of  prayer,  brief 
and  dignified,  will  often  express  the 
thought  better  than  any  other. 

The  following  prayers  from  the  book  of 
Common  Prayer  are  especially  appropriate: 

The  General  Confession. 

Introductory  prayer  before  the  Com- 
munion. 

The  Collect  for  the  first  Sunday  in  Ad- 
vent. 

The  Collect  for  the  fourth  Sunday  after 
Epiphany. 

The  Collect  for  the  fourth  Sunday  after 
Easter. 

The  Collect  for  the  fourth  Sunday  after 
Trinity. 

The  Collect  for   St.    Stephen's   Day. 

The  following  prayer  may  be  used  in 
the  regular  Conclaves : 

Almighty  God,  who  hast  called  us,  thy 
young  learning  Knights,  to  become  dis- 
ciples of  loyalty,  heroism  and  service,  bless 
and  prosper  us  as  we  assemble  at  this  Con- 
clave, and  help  us  so  to  conduct  ourselves 
in  an  orderly,  attentive  and  obedient  man- 
ner, at  this  and  all  other  times,  that  we 
may  be  fitted  for  the  service  of  thy  blessed 
kingdom  in  this  world,  may  be  adorned 
with  the  virtues  of  Christian  knightliness 
and  chivalry,  and  may  finally  attain,  in 
company  with  the  brave,  the  true  and  the 
good  of  all  ages,  to  a  life  of  higher  ser- 
vice and  a  state  01  endless  felicity; 
through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.     Amen! 


Music   in   Ca^stle   Meetings 


w 


HEN  the  Castle  is  well  started  and  the 
first  degree  has  been  learned,  it  is 
desirable  to  use  music  both  in  the 
Conclaves  and  initiations.  Each  Castle 
should  have  its  own  Castle  hymn,  original  or 
adopted.  The  deciding  on  this  hymn,  and  on 
a  hymn  which  shall  be  each  boy's  own,  ma> 
help  the  boys  to  become  familiar  with  the 
church  hymn  book.  There  may  be  proces- 
sional and  recessional  hymns  to  open  and 
close  the  Conclave.  The  approach  of  the  King 
to  the  Castle  gate  at  Conclaves,  or  of  the 
candidate  of  the  first  degree,  may  be  an- 
nounced by  bugle  call.     The  marches  in  the 


. 

^^^ 

i^^iBr^^i^millflBfti^^^ 

^Mj^Mmn 

^^S^^^^m^^ 

'& 

'^^^^^t^^:"^  ^ 

.^^ 

'^^p^^' 

A    HERALD 

degrees  may  be  accompanied  by  fife  and 
drum,  piano,  organ  or  marching  song.  The 
following  hymns  are  recommended  as  es- 
pecially appropriate  for  these  various  occa- 
sions, with  tunes  in  the  range  of  boys' 
voices : 

"The  Spn  of  God  goes  forth  to  war,"  to 
Crusaders  or  St.  Ann's  or  All  Saints'  New. 

"Oh,  where  are  kings  and  empires  now," 
to  Dundee. 

"O  beautiful,  our  Country,"  to  Mission- 
ary Hymn  or  Savoy  Chapel. 


"Go  forth  to  life,  thou  child  of  earth." 
"I  live  to  learn  their  stoi^  who  suffered 
for  my  sake." 

"Not  dear  their  lives  accounting,"  io 
Aurelia. 

"Lift  up  your  heads,  ye  gates  of  brass," 
to  Caldwell  or  Presbyter. 

"For  all  the  saints  who  from  their  labors 
rest,"  to  Sarum. 
"Soldiers  of  the  Captain." 

"God's  trumpet  wakes  the  slumbering 
world,"  to  Clarion. 

"From  age  to  age  they  gather  all  the 
pure  of  heart  and  strong,"  to  John  Brown's 
Body. 

"The  Battle  Hymn  of  the  Republic." 

"March  on,  O  soul,  with  strength,"  to 
Arthur's  Seat.  .  . 

"The  old  year's  long  campaign  is  o'cj-," 
to  Clarion. 

"God  who  created  me  nimble  and  light 
of  limb,"  by  H.  C.  Beeching. 

"Thy  seaL  O  Lord,  the  holy  sign." 

''Lead  on,  O  King  eternal,  the  day  of 
march  has  come,"  to  Tennent. 

"O  Christ,  who  didst  our  tasks  fulfil." 

"O  God  of  Truth,"  by  Thomas  Hughes. 

"Fling  out  the  banner!  let  it  float,"  to 
Waltham. 

"Children  of  the  heavenly  King,"  to 
Pleyel's    Hymn. 

"Brightly  beams  our  banner,"  to  St. 
Theresa  or  St.  Albans. 

"Dare  to  be  a  Daniel." 

"Ho,  .my  comrades,  see  the  signal." 

"We  march,  we  march  to  victory." 

"We  are  living,  we  are  dwelUng  in  a 
grand  and  awful  time." 

"Christian,  dost  thou  see  them?" 

"O  Lord  of  Hosts,  Almighty  King,"  (by 
Oliver  Wendell  Holmes). 

"Soldiers    of    Christ,    arise." 

"City  of  God,  how  broad  and  fair,"  etc 

So  helpful  is  good,  spirited  singing  to 
the  Castle  and  so  rare  are  real  boys'  hymns 
that  we  print  the  words  of  a  few,  which 
have  been  prepared  or  slightly  altered  foi 
the  purpose. 

37 


38 


BOYS'    ROUND    TABLE 


HYMN 
"Upon  King  Arthur's  Throne' 


Tempo  di  marcia 


Tunc  composed  by  Wallace  A.  Sabin,  F.  R.  C.  O. 
San  Francisco.  Cal..  1903 


lift  the^  heart  and  raise  the 


song  On  manly  voices  fresh  and  strong  To  Knightly  man-hood  plec^ed  are  we^In 


About  the  ancient  Table  Round 
The  perfect  circle  shall  be  bound. 
The  noble  names  of  heroes  bold 
We'll  stainless  bear  as  they  of  old. — Cho. 


Beneath  the  white  Cross  banner  now 
We'll  hold  the  memory  of  our  vow; 
That  Cross  to  us  of  Christ  shall  sing, 
The  first  true  knight,  the  perfect  King. 

—Cho. 


KNIGHTS    OF   KING   ARTHUR 


3^ 


SONG    OF  THE  SOLDIERS 


EEAD  ON,  O  KING  ETERNA^L 


Air:    "Jamie's  on  the  Stormy  Sea 

Comrades   known    in    marches   many, 
Comrades,   tried  in   dangers  many, 
Comrades,    bound    by    memories   many. 

Brothers  ever  let  us  be. 
Wounds    or    sickness    may    divide    us. 
Marching   orders    may    divide   us, 
But,    whatever    fate   betide    us, 

Brothers  of  the  heart  are  we. 


By   communion   of   the   banner, — 
Crimson,  white  and  starry  banner, — 
By   the   baptism   of   the    banner. 

Children   of    one    Church   we   be. 
Creed   nor    faction   can   divide   us, 
Race   nor  language   can   divide   us, 
Still,    whatever    fate   betide    us, 

Children   of  the  flag   are  we. 

By  our  bright  cross-hilted  sword-blades, 

By    our    flashing,    heaven-bathed    sword-blades, 

By    our    circled,    comi-ade    sword-blades, 

Warriors    of    the    King   we   be. 
Comrades,  hail  the  Cross  that  leads  us,       C!  , 
Comrades,  hail  the  Grail  that  beckons,  \ 

Comrades,  hail  the  War  that  waits  us.  ,' 

Knights  of  holy  chivalry." 

— First  two  verses  by  Miles  O'Reilly. 


PRAYERS 

Air:    "My    Jesus    as    Thou    wilt." 

God  who  created  me  nimble  and  light  of  limb, 
In  air,  on  earth,  in  sea,  to  run,  to  ride,  to  swim; 
Not   when  the   sense    is   dim,   but   now   with  heart 

of   joy, 
I    would    remember    Him:    O    take    my    thanks,    a 

boy. 

Jesus,  my  King  and  Lord,  Whose  are  my  foes  to 

fight. 
Gird    Thou    me    with    Thy    sword    all    swift    and 

sharp   and   bright. 
Thee   would   I   serve   if   I   might;    and   conquer  if 

I   can. 
From   day-dawn  until  night,   O  take  my  strength, 

a    man. 

Spirit    of    Love    and    Truth,    breathing    in    grosser 

Clay, 
The  flame  and   love  of  youth,   delight  of  men  in 

fray. 
Wisdom    in    strength's    decay;    from    pain,    strife, 

wrong   made   free, 
This    last,    best    gift,    I    pray,    My    spirit    take    to 

Thee. 

— Henry   Charles  Beeching,   altered. 


Lead  on,  O  King  Eternal',  the  day  of  march  has 
come; 

Henceforth  in  fields  of  conquest  Thy  tents  shall 
be    our    home; 

Through  days  of  preparation  Thy  grace  has  madt 
us  strong. 

And  now,  0  King  Eternal,  we  lift  our  battle- 
song. 

For  not  with  swords  loud  clashing,  nor  roll  of 
stirring   drums. 

But  deeds  of  love  and  mercy,  the  heavenly  king- 
dom   comes. 

Thy  cross  is  lifted  o'er  us,  we  journey  in  its 
light; 

The  crown  awaits  the  conquest;  Lead  on,  O 
God  of  might.         —Ernest   W.  Shurtteff. 


A   BOY'S   HYMN 

God  of  our  boyhood,  whom  we  yield 
The  tribute   of  our   youthful   praise, 
IFpon   the  well-contested  field. 
And  'mid  the  glory  of  these  days, 
V  God  of  our  youth,  be  with  us  yet, 

Lest   we   forget,   lest  we   forget! 

Sturdy  of  limb,  with  bounding  health, 

Eager  to   play  the   hero's  part, 
Grant   to   us   each   that   greater   wealth — 
An  undefiled  and  loyal  heart. 

God  of  our  youth,   be  Thou  our  might. 
To   do  the   right,  to   do  the   right  1 

When   from   the   field   of  mimic   strife. 

Of  strength  with  strength,  and  speed  with  speed, 
We  face  the  sterner  fights  of  life, 

As  still  our  strength  in  time  of  need. 
God  of  our  youth,  be  with  us  then. 
And    make    us    men,    and    make    us    men  I 


PIBROCH 

Come  away,  come  away,  hark  to  the  summons! 
Come   in    your   war   array,    gentles   and   commons. 
Come   every   hill-plaid   and   true    heart   that   wean 

one, 
Come  every  steel  blade  and  strong  hand  that  bears 

one, 

Leave  the  deer,  leave  the   steer,   leave  nets  and 

barges; 
Some    with    your    fighting    gear,    broadswords    and 

targes. 
Come  as  the  winds  come  when  forests  are  rended, 
Ccme  as  the  waves  come  when  navies  are  stranded. 

Fast    they    come,    fast    they    come,    see    how    they 

gather  1 
Wide     waves     the     eagle     plume,     blended     with 

heather. 
Cast  your  plaids,  draw  your  blades,   forward  each  < 

man   set! 
Chief,    vassal,    groom    and    page,    shout    for      he 

onset.  — Charles  Kingsley. 


40 


BOYS'     ROUND     TABLE 


WELCOME.     WILD     NORTH-EASTER 
Air:  "Jingle  Bells." 

Welcome,    wild    North-Easter,   shame   it   is   to   see 
Odes  to  every  zephyr,   ne'er  a  verse  to  thee. 
Tired  of  listless  dreaming,   through  the   lazy  day. 
Jovial  wind  of  winter  turns  us  out  to  play. 

Chorus 

Hark  the  wind!  Hail  the  wind!  Shout,  my  lads, 

again! 
Tis   the   hard   gray   weather,   boys,   breeds   harl 

gentlemen. 

Let  the  luscious  South-wind  breathe  in  lovers' 
sighs, 

While   the   lazy  gallants   bask   in  ladies'  eyes. 

But  the  black  North-easter  through  the  snow- 
storm  hurled. 

Drives  our  manly  hearts  of  oak  seaward  round 
the   world. — Cho. 

Come,   as  came  our   fathers,   heralded  by  thee, 
Conquering  from  the  eastward,  lords  by  land  and 

sea. 
Come;    and    strong    within    us    stir    the    Vikings' 

blood; 
Bracing    brain    and    sinew;    blow,    thou    wind    of 

God.— Cho. 

— Arranged  from  Charles  Kmgsley. 


A  BATTLE  HYMN 

Now,    glory   to   our   Knighthood, 

As  it  rises,  calm  and  grand, 
With  the  ancient  spirit  in  its  eyes,- 

The  good  Sword  in  its  hand. 
\Vho  would  not  fight  for  Honour? 
/    Who  would  not  fling  a  life 
[in  the  ring,  to  meet  a  tyrant's  gage^ 
\«And  glory   in   the   strife? 

To  battle  goes  our  Knighthood, 

As  gallant  and  as  gay 
As  lover  to  the  altar,   on 

A  merry  marriage  day.  » 

A  weary  day  we've   stood  to  watch 

The  battle  dawn  uproll'd; 
And  our  spirits  leap  within,  to  match 

The    noble    deeds    of    old. 


Now    victory    to    our    Knighthood! 

Where'er  it  lifts  its  hand 
In    Freedom's    fight,    to    rescue    right, 

God  bless   our    Fatherland! 
And  when  the  storm  has  passed  away. 

In  glory  and  in  calm, 
May  we  sit  down  in  the  green  o'  the  day 

And  sing  a  peaceful  psalm. 

Refrain    (optional) 

Now  glory  to  our  Knighthood, 
As    it    rises    calm    and    grand, 

With  the  ancient  spirit  in  its  eyes, — 
•The  good  sword  in  its  hand. 

— Arranged  from  Gerald  Massey. 


PRAYER  FOR  SCHOOLS 
Air:  St.  Anne,  etc. 


O  GOD  OF  TRUTH 


O   Christ,   who   didst   our  tasks   fulfill. 
Didst  share  the  hopes  of  youth. 

Our    Saviour   and   our    Brother   still. 
Now   lead   us   into   truth. 

Who  learns  of  Thee  the  truth  shall  find. 

Who  follows  wins  the  goal; 
With   reverence   crown   the   earnest  mind. 

And  speak  within  the  soul. 

Waken    the    purpose    high    which    strives. 

And,   falling,   strives   again; 
Confirm  the  will  of  eager  lives 

To   quit   themselves   like   men. 

Thy  life  the  bond  of   fellowship. 

Thy  love   the  law  that  rules, 
Thy   Name,    proclaimed   by   every    lip. 

The   Master  of  our  schools. 

— Louis  F.  Benson. 


Air:  St.  Anne  or  St.  James. 

Set   up   Thy   standard,    Lord,   that  we 

Who   claim    a   heavenly    l.irth. 
May   march   with   Thee    to   smite   the   lies 

That   vex   Thy   groaning  earth. 

Ah!  would  we  join  that  blest  array, 

And    follow   in   the    might 
Of  Him,  the   Faithful  and  the  True, 

In   raiments   clean   and  white! 

We  fight   for  Truth,  we  fight  for  God,— 

Poor  slaves  of  lies  and  sin! 
He   who   would   fight   for   Thee   on   earth 

Must  first  be  true  within. 

Then,  God  cf  Truth,  for  vhom  we  long. 
Thou  who   wilt  hear  our  prayer, 

Do  Thine   own  battle  in  our  hearts 
And   slay  the   falsehood  there. 

— Thomas  Hughes. 


KNIGHTS    OF    KING   ARTHUR 


41 


THE  NIGHT  SONG  OF  KING  ARTHUR'S 
KNIGHTS 

Air:    Comrades,   when   I'm  no  more  drinking. 

The  shades  of  night  are  round  us  falling, 
The  labors  of  the  day  are  done. 

Whose    are   those   voices   softly   calling, 
Those   faces  entering  one   by  one? 

Refrain 

Dear  brothers  of  the  past  in  greeting, 
Our  song  the  tingling  stars  shall  smite. 

Nor  time,  nor  space  shall  bar  our  meeting, 
The  Table  Round  is  full  to-night. 

The  youth  with  hopes  of  high  endeavor. 
Come  now  to  take  our  ancient  vow. 

Their   hands  like   ours,   be  loyal  ever. 

Their  hearts  be  always  true  as  now.— ^(f/. 

Dear  brothers,  witness  now  the  token 
The    sacred   oath,   the   solemn   rite. 

May  friendship's  ties  be  never  broken; 
The  Table  Round  is  full  to-night— i^^f. 

And  when  from  out  the  camp  and  cloister. 
We  fall  to  struggle  and  to  strife, 

Mem'ry  shall  make  the  eye  grow  moister 
And  love  inspire  the  brave  man's  life. 


Refrain 

Dear  brothers,  true  and  tried,  we  greet  you 
Our  song  the  tingling  stars  shall  smite. 

May  life  with  rarest  pleasure  meet  you. 
The  Table  Round  is  full  to-night. 

—  Williatn  Byron  Forbush. 


'Just  as   I   am,"    young,   strong   and    free. 
To  be  the  best  that   I   can  be 
For  Truth  and  Righteousness  and  Thee, 
Lord  of   my   life   I   come. 

With  many  dreams  of  fame  and  gold, 
Success  and  joy  to  make  me    bold; 
But  dearer  still  my  faith  to  hold. 
For  my  whole  life  I  come. 

And  for  Thy  sake  to  win  renown. 
And   then   to   take   the   victor's   crown 
And  at  Thy  feet  to  cast  it  down, 
O  "  Master,    Lord,   I   come. 

—E.   Wetherald. 


THE  BONNY  BRIGHT  QUEST 
Air:   The   Bonny   Blue   Flag 

Hurrah!    my    lads,    the    hunt    is    up,    and    we    arc 

fast  away. 
The    foe    has    drunk     his    stirrup    cup    before    the 

break  of  day; 
Beneath   the   portals   of   the   wood   he   flees   along 

the   glen; 
Then  up,  my  boys,  the  sport  is  good,  and  we  are 

gentlemen. 

'  Refrain 

Hurrah,  hurrah,  hurrah,  hurrah!   good   fellows  all 

are  we. 
Hurrah,  hurrah,  hurrah,  hurrah!  companions  tried 

are   we. 
Hurrah,  hurrah!   for  the  bonny  bright  Quest  that 

flashes    o'er    the   lea. 
Hurrah,   hurrah!    for  the   bonny   bright   bond   that 

knits  my  heart  to  thee. 


A  BOY'S   DREAM 

Air:    Woodworth 

'Just  as  I  am,"  Thine  own  to  be. 
Friend  of  the  young  who  lovest  me, 
To  consecrate  myself  to  Thee, 
O  Jesus  Christ,  I  come. 

In  the  glad  morning  of  my  day 
My  life  to  give,   my  vows  to  pay. 
With  no  reserve  and  no  delay, 
With  all  my  heart  I  come. 

I  would  live  ever  in  the  light", 
I  would  work  ever  for  the  .right, 
I  would  serve  Thee  with  all  rr.y  might; 
Therefore    to    Thee    I    come. 


Hurrah,    my    lads,    our    hearts    are   gay,    and    glad 

we   ride   along. 
To  us  it  is  the  opening  day,  our  lives  are  full  of 

song. 
And  though  the  eve  shall  come   at   last,   the   love 

that    all    the    day 
Shone   bright   as   sunshine   on   the   past   shall    gild 

our  starry  way. — Refrain. 

Hurrah,   my   friends,   the  golden   Quest,  a  shining 

cloud   by   day, 
A    light    by    night    to    cheer    our    rest,    still    hangs 

above   our  way. 
The    glimmer    of    that    Holy    Graii    that    bade    the 

young    knight    on 
In  beckoning  glory  shall  not  fail  until  its  joy  be 

won. — Refrain. 

— William  Byron  Forbush. 


4a 


BOYS'    ROUND    TABLE 


FORM  FOR  AN  OLD  CASTLE  TO  USE 
IN  INSTITUTING  A  NEW  CASTLE 

Arranged  by  Miss  A,  B.  Mackintire. 

The  boys,  with  their  MerHn,  come  to 
Castle  Hall  and  one  of  their  number  is 
chosen  to  go  through  the  form  of  initia- 
tion up  to  the  point — 

King :  Knights  of  the  Round  Table ! 

All:    (rising)    Hail  to  the  King! 

King:  You  have  been  able  to  judge  of 
the  valor  of  this  lad — will  you  receive  him 
to  serve  in  our  Order? 

All:  We  will. 

King:  Rise  lad,  and  Le  attentive  while  I 
read  from  the  words  of  King  Arthur  him- 
self.    Reads : 

"  I  was  the  first  of  all  the  Kings  who  drew 
The  knighthood  errant  of  this  realm  and 

all 
The  realms  together  under  me,  their  Head, 
In  that  fair  order  of  my  Table  Round, 
A  glorious  company,  the  flower  of  men. 
To  serve  as  model  for  the  mighty  world, 
And  be  the  fair  beginning  of  a  time. 
I  made  them  lay  their  hands  in  mine  and 

swear 
To  reverence  the  King,  as  if  he  were 
Their  conscience,   and  their  conscience  as 

their  King 
To    break  .the    heathen     and     uphold     the 

Christ, 
To  ride  abroad  redressing  human  wrongs, 
To  speak  no  slander,  no,  nor  listen  to  it. 
To  honor  his  own  word  as  if  his  God's, 
To  lead  sweet  lives  in  purest  chastity. 
To  love  one  maiden  only,  cleave  to  her. 
And  worship  her  by  years  of  noble  deeds. 
Not  only  to  keep  down  the  base  in  man, 
But  teach  high  thought  and  amiable  words, 
And  courtliness  and  the  desire  of  fame, 
And  love  of  truth,   and   all   that  makes  a 
man!"  (From  Guinevere.) 

Lad,  will  you  now  kneel  and  repeat  after 
me  the  pledge  of  a  page? 

(Page  repeats  line  by  line)  : 
As  a  page  in  the  court  of  King  Arthur, 
I  will  faithfully  try  to  secure  the  best  in- 
terests of  the   Order — 
Both  for  my  own  sake  and  for  others — 
Taking   as    my   watchword    "  Loyalty    and 
Service." 

Castle  h\Tnn. 

King:  Rise,  Sir ,  Loyal  page  in  the 

court  of  King  Arthur  and  receive  the  sash 


of  the  page  and  the  badge  of  the  Order. 
(Invested  with  the  sash  and  badge.) 

King:  Let  the  members  of  Castle  (old 
castle)    resume  their  seats. 

Let  the  paynims  whom  this  newly-made 
page  represents,  appear  before  the  throne. 

(The  other  boys  come  forward  and 
stand.) 

King:  Your  comrade  has  undergone  this 
initiation  in  your  presence,  will  you  accept 
it  as  yours,  and  will  you  take  the  pledge 
of  loyalty  to  the  Order  which  he  has  taken? 

Paynims:  We  will. 

King:  I  therefore  proclaim  you  all  pages 
in  the  Court  of  King  Arthur.  King  Arthur 
has,  we  understand,  granted  a  charter  by 
which  you  may  be  enrolled  as  a  Castle. 
Have  you  the  charter  here? 

(Receives  and  reads  aloud  the  charter.) 

King:  Will  you  now  join  hands,  forming 
a  brotherhood  circle,  and  repeat  after  Sir 
Kay  the  words  he  shall  give  you? 

Sir  Kay  reads  from  the  Constitution: 

This  brotherhood  is  of  the  Order  of  the 
Knights  of  King  Arthur.     We  be  called 

Castle No 

We  be  joined  hand  and  heart  to  achieve 
Christian  Knightliness — (Art.  2). 

Arthur  is  our  King.  He  wieldeth  excali- 
bur  and  ruleth  at  Conclave — 

Merlin  serveth  us.  He  keepeth  our  rolls 
and  giveth  us  counsel. —  (Art.  4). 

What  harmeth  body,  defileth  tongue,  or 
doeth  ill  to  mind  cometh  not  to  our  Con- 
clave. 

Our  arms  be  a  cross  JVlaltese,  argent, 
upon  a  field  gules. 

Our  legend,  "  My  sword  shall  be  bathed 
in   Heaven." 

To  the  great  Republic  we  vow  our  alle- 
giance, its  flag  our  barmer,  its  chief  our 
chieftain,  its  glory  our  Knightly  quest.  For 
these  ends  and  by  these  means  we  pledge 
our  hands,  our  hearts  and  our  manly  honor 
to  our  ancient  Order. 

King:  Sir  Seneschal,  introduce  these 
pages  to  those  who  have  honor  in  our 
Castles. 

Kay:  First  Merlin,  "The  Mage  at  Ar- 
thur's Court, (i)  the  most  famous  man  of 
all  those  times. 

Who  knew   the   range   of   all   their   arts. 
Had  built  the  King  his  havens,  ships  and 
halls, 


KNIGHTS    OF    KING   x\RTHUR 


4J 


Was     also    Bard     and     knew     the     starry 

heavens ; 
The  people  call'd  him  Wizard."  (2) 

Wilt  thou  give  heed  to  the  words  of  your 
Merlin  and  in  true  friendship  keep  them? 
Second:  "And  near  him  stood  the  Lady 

of  the  Lake, 
Who  knows  a  subtler  magic  than  his  own — 
Clothed  in  white  samite,  mystic,  wonderful. 
She  gave   the   King  his   huge   cross-hilted 

sword. 
Whereby  to  drive  the  heathen  out." (3) 
"And  like  the  cross,  her  great  and  goodly 

arms 
Stretched  under  all  the  court  and  did  up- 
hold it."  (4) 
Third :  We  have  also  our  three  Queens  of 

Avilion — 
"  Down  from    the    casement    over  Arthur 

smote 
Flame-color,  vert  and  azure,  in  three  rays, 
One  falling  upon  each  of  three  fair  Queens, 
Who  stood  in  silence  near  his  throne,  the 

friends 
Of  Arthur,  gazing  on  him,  tall,  with  bright 
Sweet    faces,    who    will    help    him    at    his 

need  "(5) 
Fourth :  This  is  the  Siege  Perilous. 
In    Arthur's    hall — "  there    stood   a    vacant 

chair 
Fashion'd  by  Merlin  ere  he  past  away, 


And   carven  with  strange  figures;   and   in 

and  out 
The  figures,  like  a  serpent,  ran  a  scroll 
Of  letters  in  a  tongue  no  man  could  read. 
And  Merlin  call'd  it  '  The  Siege  Perilous,' 
Perilous  for  good  and  ill;   for  there,"  he 

said, 
"  No  man  could  sit  but  he  should  lose  him- 
self." 
And  therein  sits  only  the  pure  Sir  Galahad 

who  losing  himself  finds  his  life. 
Wilt  thou   hold   these  in    honor    in   your 
Castle? 

King :  "  Has  Sir  Merlin  of  Castle , 

a  book  in  which  these  pages  may  enroll 
themselves  as  charter  members.  (Enroll- 
ment). 

King:  Sir  Knights,  Esquires  and  Pages 
of  Castle  (old  castle). 
All:  (rising)  Hail  to  the  King! 
King:  We  now,  the  members  of  Castle 
(old  castle),  give  a  hearty  welcome  to  the 
members  of  Castle  (new  castle).  We  are 
glad  to  receive  you  into  our  Order.  May 
you  be  loyal  to  your  Castle,  to  your  Order, 
to  yourselves,  and  to  your  King.  We  ask 
you  now  to  sit  in  the  circle  of  our  Round 
Table,  unite  with  us  in  the  closing  of  our 
Conclave. 

Quotations:  i  Gareth  and  Lynette.  2.  Merlin 
and  Vivien.  .^.  Coming  of  Arthur.  4.  Gareth  and 
Lynette.    5.  Coming  of  Arthur.    6.  Holy  Grail. 


The  Intern&.tion&.l  Order  of  Knights  of  King  Arthur 


Willi&m  Byron  Forbush,  Ph.  D., 

Founder  of  the  Order  and  Mage  Merlin. 

Since  the  establishment  of  the  first 
Castle,  over  nine  hundred  Castles  of  the 
Order  have  been  registered  at  headquarters. 
It  is  known  that  many  other  Castles  have 
been  perfected,  but  have  not  formally 
registered.  In  addition,  hundreds  of  copies 
of  this  handbook  have  been  sold  to  those 
who  have  used  the  ideas  embodied  therein 
to  some  extent.  Thus  it  is  apparent  that 
the  plan  has  been  practically  applied  in 
thousands  of  ways. 

No  attempt  has  been  made  to  create  an 
expensive  and  elaborate  general  organiza- 
tion of  the  K.  O.  K.  A.  A  conference 
of  Merlins  and  others  interested  in  the 
order  is  generally  held  in  connection  with 
the    General    Alliance    of    Workers    with 


Frank  Lincoln  Masseck, 

Sir  Pendragon. 
Boys,  (see  page  48),  which  usually  meets 
at  the  same  time  as  the  Religious  Educa- 
tion Association.  By  this  conjunction  of 
meetings  the  largest  number  may  be 
brought  together  at  the  smallest  expense. 
The  Mage  Merlin,  Dr.  Forbush,  and  Sir 
Pendragon,  Frank  Lincoln  Masseck,  serve 
the  Order  without  emolument.  They  are 
ready  and  willing  to  reply  to  all  inquiries, 
and  as  far  as  possible  are  pleased  to  attend 
meetings  of  Castles,  or  group  gatherings 
of  a  number  of  Castles.  The  following 
deeply  interested  workers  stand  ready  to 
render  all  assistance  in  their  power.  The 
Rev.  W.  E.  Hayes,  San  Francisco,  Cal. ; 
Rev.  E.  F.  Talmadge,  Wauregan,  Conn. ; 
Mr.  Chas.  H.  McCurdy,  Bangor,  Me. ;  Prof. 


44 


BOYS'    ROUND    TABLE 


A.  N.  Seal,  Ph.  D.,  Philadelphia,  Pa.;  Rev. 
W.  O.  Wark,  Bellingham,  Wash.  Many 
others  also  in  all  parts  of  the  country  are 
ready  to  serve  as  opportunity  offers. 

All  correspondence  concerning  the  Order, 
and  all  orders  for  supplies  and  equipment, 
should  be  addressed  to  Frank  Lincoln 
Masseck,  who  now  has  charge  of  all  these 
details.  No  attempt  is  made  to  supply 
swords,  spears,  shields,  banners  and  other 
paraphernalia,  beyond  the  lists  on  page  46. 

F.  L.  M. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY 

No  one  should  undertake  to  establish  and 
carry  on  a  Castle  who  has  not  to  some  ex- 
tent become  familiar  with  the  literature 
ot  the  Arthurian  legends.  The  more  you 
know  them  and  about  them  the  better  fitted 
you  are  to  interest  the  boys.  More  people 
fail  because  they  rush  headlong  into  the 
establishment  of  a  Castle  without  first 
knowing  some  of  the  legends  and  the  age 
and  characteristics  of  Chivalry  than  from 
any  other  cause.  Therefore,  before  you 
even  suggest  the  establishment  of  a  Castle, 
learn  some  of  the  Arthurian  legends. 

Of  course  you  know  that  the  foundation 
of  these  tales  is  the  "  Morte  d' Arthur,"  by 
Sir  Thomas  Malory.  You  may  obtain  a 
complete  edition  of  this  work  for  any  price 
from  80  cents  to  $4.80.  But  you  may  not 
care  to  read  the  whole  work  as  it  was 
issued  in  this  old  English  form.  If  not, 
then  secure  No.  158  of  the  Riverside  Lit- 
erature Series,  published  by  Houghton, 
Mifflin  &  Co.,  Boston,  which  will  cost  you 
15  cents  net,  postpaid.  This  admirable  Ht- 
tle  volume  will  give  you  the  books  of  Mer- 
lin and  Sir  Balin  from  Malory,  with  intro- 
ductory sketch  by  Prof.  Child,  Caxton's 
preface,  and  a  glossary,  which  will  enable 
you  to  ascertain  the  meaning  of  unfamiliar 
words.  This  will  inform  you  as  to  the 
origin  and  significance  of  the  tales. 

The  legends  have  been  rendered  into 
modern  English  by  a  number  of  writers. 
One  of  the  most  perfect  renditions  is  "  The 
Boys'  King  Arthur,"  by  Sydney  Lanier. 
Price,  $2.  For  one  who  loves  beautiful 
English,  this"  is  delightful.  Unfortunately 
the  younger  boys  do  not  care  for  it. 

"king  Arthur  and  His  Noble  Knights," 
by  Mary  McLeod,  is  the  best.    Price,  $1. 
A  good    edition,   in   the   opinion   of   the 


Mage  Merlin,  is  "  King  Arthur  and  His 
Court,"  by  Francis  Nimmo  Green.  Price, 
75  cents. 

"The  Court  of  King  Arthur"  and 
"Knights  of  the  Round  Table,"  by  W.  H. 
Frost,  price,  $1.50  each,  are  liked  by  many. 

"  The  Story  of  King  Arthur  and  His 
Knights,"  by  Howard  Pyle,  price,  $2.50  net,' 
with  its  attractive  illustrations,  is  one  of 
the  most  popular  books  for  the  boys  them- 
selves to  read. 

The  poets  have  contributed  more  than 
all  others  to  the  popularization  of  these  old 
stories.  Matthew  Arnold  in  "  Tristram 
and  Iseult,"  Mr.  Swinburne  in  "Tristram 
of  Lyonesse "  and  "  Tale  of  Balen,"  Wil- 
liam Morris,  Blackmore,  Heber,  Bulwer, 
Richard  Hovey,  all  have  used  material 
from  Malory,  while  Tennyson  in  "  The 
Idylls  of  the  King "  availed  himself  of  the 
same  mine.  Read  "  The  Arthur  of  the 
English  Poets,"  by  Howard  Maynadier, 
price  $1.50  net  postpaid.  This  is  the  first 
attempt  to  trace  the  complete  history  of 
the  Arthurian  legend.  Every  Merlin 
should    own   it. 

You  may  obtain  Tennyson's  Idylls  in  a 
variety  of  editions.  We  particularly  com- 
mend to  your  attention  the  Riverside  Lit- 
erature Series  Nos.  99  and  156,  each  con- 
taining portrait  of  the  poet,  with  introduc- 
tion and  notes  by  Prof.  Rolfe,  of  Cam- 
bridge. Each  costs  15  cents  in  paper,  or 
combined  and  bound  in  cloth  for  $1.  They 
are  invaluable  to  any  one  who  desires  to 
make  a  careful  study  of  the  poems. 

Lowell's  "  Vision  of  Sir  Launf  al "  is  an- 
other poem  deserving  the  attention  of  those 
who  are  reading  these  tales.  See  River- 
side Literature  Series  No.  30,  price,  15 
cents. 

Bulfinch's  "Age  of  Chivalry"  is  one  of 
the  books  that  every  Merlin  should  own, 
as  it  will  make  him  realize  something  of 
the  influence  of  this  age  in  civilizing  the 
world,  and  perhaps  appreciate  something  of 
the  work  he  is  to  do  with  the  boys  of  the 
present  age.  Of  this  the  latest  and  best 
edition  is  that  edited  by  Rev.  J.  L.  Scott, 
D.  D.     Price,  $1.25. 

For  a  comprehension  of  the  principles 
upon  which  the  modern  Knights  of  King 
Arthur  is  based,  you  should  read  "The 
Boy  Problem."  by  the  author  of  this  hand- 
book.    The  price  is  $1.10  net,  postpaid. 


KNIGHTS    OF    KING    ARTHUR 


45 


President  G.  Stanley  Hall,  in  his  recent 
work,  "The  Psychology  of  Adolescence," 
devotes  nearly  an  entire  chapter  in  the  sec- 
ond volume  to  the  theory  of  this  Order, 
and  is  most  hearty  in  commending  it  from 
the  point  of  view  of  the  psychologist  and 
pedagogue.  Be  sure  to  read  that  section, 
ifou  will  find  the  book  in  public  Hbraries. 
If  you  desire  to  purchase  it  the  price  is 
$7.50. 

You  can  easily  obtain  the  above-named 
books  from  any  dealer,  or  you  may  order 
them  from  Frank  Lincoln  Masseck,  at 
prices  named.  F.  L.  M. 

ART 

Every  Castle  hall  should  be  adorned  with 
beautiful  pictures.  The  most  familiar  and 
easily  obtained  is  Watts'  Sir  Galahad.  You 
can  buy  this  for  one-half  cent,  or  one,  two, 
or  five  cents  each,  in  the  Perry  Pictures. 
You  ought  to  give  one  to  every  member  of 
the  Castle.  The  same  company  will  fu;*- 
nish  you  with  an  artotype,  size  22x28,  large 
enough  for  your  wall,  at  75  cents.  Or  a 
really  fine  print,  either  domestic  or  foreign 
made,  in  permanent  colors,  in  various  sizes, 
may  be  had  at  prices  from  $5  upwards. 

Another  most  appropriate  picture  is  of 
Vischer's  bronze  statue  of  King  Arthur, 
noted  for  beauty  of  figure  and  pose. 
Cosmos  prints  from  2J/2  cents  up.  Fine 
prints  $2.50  each  and  upwards. 

There  are  also  the  portions  of  the  Abby 
Series,  "  The  Quest  of  the  Grail,"  from  the 
Boston  Public  Library,  several  of  which 
have  been  reproduced  in  the  Copley  prints, 
especially  "  Galahad  the  Deliverer,"  "  The 
Oath  of  Knighthood,"  "The  Seven  Sins," 
and  the  "Round  Table  of  King  Arthur," 
which  ma}^  be  had  in  prices  varying  from 
50  cents  to  $10  each.  All  these  are  admir- 
ably adapted  for  Castle  halls.  Send  12 
cents  for  illustrated  and  descriptive  circu- 
lars. 

If  you  cannot  easily  obtain  these  or  any 
other  pictures  of  which  you  yourself  may 
have  knowledge,  Mr.  Masseck  will  be  very 
glad  to  assist  you  to  obtain  them  on  the 
most  favorable  terms.  F.  L.  M. 

SEATED  IN  CONCLAVE 
Here    is    a    diagram    used    by    Shalott 
Castle,    52,    Cambridge,    Mass.,    which    is 


most  excellent  in  every  way.  The  King  is 
seated  on  the  throne  (the  fan-shaped  plat- 
form at  the  top  of  the  room).  On  his 
right  is  the  Siege  Perilous  (S.  P.)  and  on 
the  left  a  seat  for  one  of  the  pages,  who 
acts  as  messenger  for  Sir  Pendragon.  At 
the  Round  Table  in  the  center  are  seated 
Sir  Merlin  (M.),  the  Sentinel  and  a  Page 
or  Messenger.  The  Constable  is  seated  at 
the  far  end  of  the  room.  The  members 
are  seated  in  the  numbered  chairs,  each 
seat  being  surmounted  by  a  banner  bear- 
ing the  Castle  name  of  the  member.  Vary- 
ing the  number  of  chairs  to  accommodate 
the  varying  membership  of  different 
Castles  will  make  the  circle  more  or  less 
perfect.  F.  L.  M. 


PRICE  LIST  OF  APPARATUS 


Handbook,  The  Boys'  Round  Table,  giving  principles  upon  which  the 
Order  is  based,  and  manifold  practical  details  for  application,  postpaid, 
twenty-five  cents. 

Outfit  for  Castle,  including  one  Handbook,  Charter  and  enrollment  in 
international  organization,  Merlin's  certificate,  25  cards  each  for  conclave 
and  first  degree,  10  each  for  second  and  third  degrees,  and  one  year's  sub- 
scription to  Work  With  Boys,  all  for  $2.25,  carriage  prepaid. 

Castles  not  desiring  all  apparatus  may  secure  Charter  and  enrollment 
for  10  cents.  Cards  containing  either  conclave  or  initiation  for  either  degree, 
three  cents  each,  25  cents  per  dozen,  postpaid.  Constitutions,  25  cents  per 
dozen,  postpaid. 

Work  With  Boys,  a  quarterly  magazine,  published  by  the  General 
Alliance  of  Workers  With  Boys,  is  indispensable  to  all  interested  in  this 
phase  of  service.  Each  number  is  a  monograph  presenting  special  articles 
dealing  with  particular  problems,  by  successful  workers  in  every  part  of 
the  land.  Each  number  contains  a  K.  O.  K.  A.  department.  Subscription 
$1.00  per  year. 

Membership  certificates,  one  for  ten  cents,  two  for 
fifteen  cents,  three  or  more  for  five  cents  each.  In  ordering 
give  name  of  lad,  his  knightly  name,  his  rank. 

Badges,  (i)  celluloid  pins,  round,  red  field,  white  cross, 
K.  O.  K.  A.  in  blue,  10  cents  each,  50  cents  per  dozen. 

(2)  Sterling  silver  pins,  shield  shape,  red  field,  Maltese 
cross  in  silver,  K.  O.  K.  A.  in  blue,  the  colors  being  a  fine, 
hard  enamel,  a  beautiful  piece  of  work,  40  cents  each,  $4.50  per 
dozen.  With  each  order  for  badge  2  should  be  sent  eight 
cents  for  registration,  as  they  are  too  valuable  to  be  sent 
through  with  ordinary  mail. 


THE  YOUNG  KNIGHT 


HOW  GARETH  WON  HIS  SPURS 

A    Dramatization    of   Tennyson's    Idyll 

"  Gareth  and  Lynctte." 

By  the  Rev.  James  Yeames. 

This  is  just  what  many  Merlins  have  asked  for — a  King  Artliur  Play 
adapted  for  the  use  of  Castles,  and  portraying  the  spirit  of  our  Order.  It 
has  been  tried  and  found  thoroughly  practicable.  It  should  furnish  work 
for  the  larger  part  of  a  season.  The  boys  themselves  should  make  all 
accessories,  costumes,  scenery,  etc.  It  affords  opportunities  for  marches, 
drills,  etc. 

Full  text  of  the  play  with  suggestions  for  its  presentation,  25  cents. 

All  orders   for  the  above,   and  all  inquiries  should  be  addressed  to 


FRANK  LINCOLN  MASSECK, 

POTSDAM, 


N.  Y. 


46 


Endorsements 


i^  PLAN  which  has  found  such  wide 
/tL  acceptance  hardly  needs  the  aid  of 
^  indorsers,   yet  those   who   are   think- 

ing of  trying  it  may  have  their  faith 
strengthened  by  knowing  what  good  men 
say  of  it. 

Dr.  G.  Stanley  Hall,  after  hearing  these 
methods  carefully  explained  before  bis 
Seminar  in  philosophy,  said:  "It  is  excel- 
lent. It  is  one  of  the  best  things  of  which 
I  have  heard." 

Prof.  George  E.  Dawson,  Ph.  D.,  of  the 
Bible  Normal  College,  one  of  the  greatest 
authorities  on  child  study  in  America,  says 
of  the  Order: 

"  It  is  the  plan  which  comes  the  nearest 
of  all  of  which  I  know  to  the  psychological 
development  of  boys.  If  it  be  true,  as  many 
students  claim,  that  the  various  ages  of 
the  child  represent  the  earlier  ages  of  hu- 
manity, then  the  Knights  of  King  Arthur 
reaches  the  chivalric,  heroic  age  of  boy- 
hood in  a  way  both  scientific  and  unique." 

The  Rev.  Alexander  Mackenzie,  D.  D., 
of  Cambridge,  has  been  much  pleased  and 
interested  in  the  work  of  the  successful 
Castle  in  his  church,  and  says :  "  This  re- 
vival of  ancient  courtesy  is  one  of  the  most 
encouraging    signs    of    our   times." 

Rev.  John  Q.  Adams,  founder  of  the 
Boys'  Brigade  in  America,  wrote  that  he 
felt  "that  the  Knights  have  some  advan- 
tages for  boys  where  other  plans  would  not 
work,"  and  has  organized  a  Castle.  Strong 
churches  in  which  Castles  have  been  organ- 
ized are:  First  church,  Hartford,  Conn.; 
Grace  M.  E.,  Wilmington,  Del..;  Church  of 
the  Good  Shepherd,  Episcopal,  Washing- 
ton, D.  C. ;  Church  of  the  Redeemer,  Uni- 
versalist,  Chicago;  Central  M.  E.,  In- 
dianapolis; North  Park  church,  Des 
Moines,  Iowa;  State  St.  church,  Port- 
land, Me.;  Ascension  church,  Boston; 
Eliot  church,  Newton,  Mass.;  Central 
church,  Jamaica  Plain,  Mass.;  First  Con- 
gregational, Concord,  N.  H.;  Mt.  Morris 
Baptist,  Central  Presbyterian,  Bethany 
Congregational,  New  York;  Epworth 
Memorial     Cleveland,     Ohio;     St.     Luke's, 


Scranton,  Pa.;  and  in  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.'s 
at  Des  Moines,  Iowa;  Lancaster,  Pa.; 
Middletown,  Conn.;  Spring  Forge,  Pa.; 
Mauch  Chunk,  Pa.;  Chicago,  Jackson- 
ville,  111.;   Southbridge,  Mass. 

For  references  of  those  who  have  living 
Castles  I  would  suggest  the  following: 

Rev.  W.  O.  Wark,  Bellingham,  Wash. 

Rev.  Geo.  F.  Kenngott,  D.  D.,  Lowell, 
Mass. 

Charles  H.  McCurdy,  Bangor,  Me. 

Rev.  A.  W.  Bishop,  Concord,  N.  H.,  Con- 
gregationalist. 

Rev.   Edwin  Huyler,  Wichita,  Kansas. 

Rev.  E.  F.  Talmadge,  Wauregan,  Conn., 
Congregationalist. 

Rev.  T,  S.  Cline,  Berlin,  N.  H.,  Episcopal. 

Rev.  R.  K.  Marvin,  Franklin,  Mass.,  Uni- 
versalist." 

Rev.  W.  E.  Hayes,  San  Francisco,  Cal., 
Episcopalian. 

Rev.  J.  M.  Wathen,  Claremont,  N.  H., 
Congregationalist. 

Miss  A.  B.  Mackintire,  Cambridge,  Mass. 

Mrs.  Carl  Schultze,  Newark,  N.  J.,  Bap- 
tist. 

Rev.  Edgar  M.  Rogers,  Washington,  D. 
C,  Episcopalian. 

Thellwell  R.  Coggeshall,  Philadelphia,  Pa. 

Rev.  C.  J.  Hawkins,  Jamaica  Plain,  Mass., 
Congregationalist. 

Rev.  Wm.  D.  Beach,  Bridgeport,  Conn., 
Methodist. 

Rev.  Paul  Moore  Strayer,  Rochester,  N. 
Y.,    Presbyterian. 

William    Moore,    Winnipeg,    Manitoba. 

Miss   S.  F.   Marschalk,  Marshall,  Texas. 

Rev.  W.  B.  Matteson,  Red  Bank,  N.  J. 

F.  R.  Buckalew,  Franklin,  Pa.,  Y.  M. 
C.  A. 

J.  R.  Ellenwood,  190  Water  street.  New 
York. 

Rev.   W.   T.    Holmes,   Watertown,   Conn. 

D.  W.  Fames,  Y.  M.  C  A.,  Jacksonville, 
111. 

Frederick  E.  Davenport,  396  East  Law- 
son  street,   St.   Paul,   Minn. 

D.  M.   Douglass,  Des  Moines,   Iowa. 

Rev.   H.  E.  Thayer,   Springfield,   Mass. 

47 


48 


BOYS'     ROUND     TABLE 


THE   GENERAL   ALLIANCE  OF 
WORKERS  WITH  BOYS 

Founded   in   1895 

The  following  officers  were  elected  1907. 

President, 

William  Byron  Forbush,  Ph.  D.,  706 
Second  avenue,   Detroit,  Mich. 

Vice-Presidents, 

L.  L.  DoGGETT,  Ph.  D.,  President  of  the 
International  Y.  M.  C.  A.  Training 
School,  Springfield,  Mass. 

Myron  T.  Scudder,  Principal  of  the  New 
Paltz,  N.  Y.,  Normal  School. 

Secretary, 
Frank  Lincoln  Masseck,  Potsdam,  N.  Y. 

Treasurer, 

Thomas  Chew,  Superintendent  of  the 
Boys'  Club,  Fall  River,  Mass. 

The  Directors^ 

The  Officers,  and: 

Edgar  M.  Robinson,  International  Secre- 
tary of  the  Y.  M.  C.  a.  for  Boys'  Work, 
New  York  City. 

Frank  S.  Mason,  Secretary  of  the  Bunker 
Hill  Boys'   Club,  Charlestown. 

Henry  F.  Burt,  Head  of  Boys'  Clubs  at 

Chicago  Commons. 
WiNFRED    J.     Smith,    Rochester,     N.    Y., 

Brick    Church    Institute    Boys'     Club. 
Charles     H.      McCurdy,     Bangor,     Me., 

K.  O.  K.  A. 
Rev.     Arthur     Peabody     Pratt,     Bellows 

Falls,  Vt. 

Counselors, 

President    G.    Stanley    Hall,  Ph.   D., 
LL.  d. 

Professor  Graham  Taylor,  D.D.,  LL.D. 


^^HIS  is  an  organization  of  persons 
\>^  active  in  all  sorts  of  work  with  boys, 
for  study  of  the  subject,  conference 
and  interchange,  and  to  be  a  bureau  of 
information  to  the  public.  It  was  formed 
in  1895  and  is  the  only  general  federation 
for  this  special  purpose.  Annual  member- 
ship costs  one  dollar. 

The  officers  and  directors  conduct  the 
Alliance  during  the  interim  between  con- 
ventions. All  of  them  will  answer  impor- 
tant and  respectful  questions.  Each  one  is 
known  as  a  specialist  in  some  one  field.  The 
Secretary  conducts  the  correspondence,  acts'" 
as  a  clearing  house  of  information  and  edits 
the  magazine.  The  Treasurer  receives  sub- 
scriptions to  the  magazine  and  gifts  to  and 
memberships  in  the  Alliance.  All  serve 
without  compensation. 

Those  who  read  this  book  will  be  inter- 
ested in  giving  or  receiving  help  through 
the  Alliance.  A  quarterly  magazine.  Work 
with  Boys,  which  is  indispensable  for  thor- 
ough knowledge  and  practice  in  social  work 
with  the  young,  is  published  by  the  body, 
at  $1  a  year.  Each  number  contains  a  set 
of  standard  monographs  on  practical  sub- 
jects, the  following  issues  being  now  avail- 
able: 

Directory  of  Work  with  Boys. 
Books  for  Boys  and  Books  about  Boys. 
Boys'   Camps,  the  theory   and   practice  of 

camps. 
The    Working   Boy,   sixteen   valuable    and 

interesting  articles  on  boy  labor. 
Religious    Work    with    Boys. 
How  to  Do  It. 
Character  Making. 
Street  Boys'  Clubs. 

Twenty-five  Cents  Each. 


j?k^ 


^6 


\<m 


Kxn^  Artl|ur'a  l^^ralb 


POTSDAM,  N.  Y.,  DECEMBER  15,  1907 


Vol.  1 


No.  3 


OFFICIAL  ORGAN  OF  THE   KNIGHTS  OF  KING   ARTHUR 


The  International  Order 

2(ttt9l)tsi  nf  iKtng  Artl|ur. 

Founder  and  Mage  Merlin, 

William  Byron  Forbush,  Ph.  D. 

All  inquiries,  reports,  orders, 

should  be  addressed  to 

Sir  Pendragon 

Frank  Lincoln  Masseck, 

Potsdam,  N.  Y. 


A  District  Conclave  of  the  Order  was 
held  in  the  Central  Congregational 
Church,  Newtonville,  Mass.,  on  Friday, 
November  29.  Thirty  five  Castles  from 
five  New  England  States  were  repre- 
sented by  over  200  delegates.  It  was 
a  splendid  success.  Plans  are  under 
way  for  another  District  Conclave  at 
New  Haven,  Conn.,  in  February. 

Feb.  10,  1908  will  be  the  15th  anni- 
versary of  the  organization  of  the   first 


Group  from  Castle  Perilous,  No.  563,  K.  O.  K.  A.,  Grandin,  Missouri 


Our  Order  is  growing  rapidly. 

During  the  year  ending  Dec.  1st,  271 
Castles  were  registered  at  headquarters. 

During  the  month  of  November  54 
Castles  registered. 

A  new  edition  of  Dr.  Forbush's 
"The  Boy  Problem,"  the  most  author- 
itative book  on  the  subject,  has  been 
published.     Price  $1.10  net  pcstpaid. 


Castle  of  K.  0.  K.  A.  We  urge  every 
Castle  to  recognize  the  event  by  a 
special  Conclave.  How  would  it  do  for 
every  Castle  connected  with  a  Church 
or  Y.  M.  C.  A.  to  have  a  special  ser- 
vice on  Sunday,  Feb.  9th.  A  special 
message  from  the  Mage  Merlin,  will 
be  sent  to  every  living  Castle,  in  the 
January  issue  of  the  HERALD. 


King  Arthurs   Herald 


SIR  GALAHAD 

By  Rev.  James  Yeames. 


Tune  "Honey  Boy"  . 

See  him  gaily  ride  away, 

Our  noble  lad! 
He  must  go,  as  you  know. 
On  his  quest  foi  what  is  best, 

Sir  Galahad! 
With  his  shining  sword,  and  armor 
Fighting  ever  for  the  right,        [bright. 

Sir  Galahad! 
Courage  high!   Foemen  fly! 
Let  not  hope  nor  purpose  fail. 
Yonder  shines  the  Holy  Grail, 
Arthur's  knights  ne'er  quit  or  quail, 

Galahad! 

CHORUS 

Galahad !  We  give  you  joyous  speeding ! 
Galahad !  We  follow  on  your  leading  ! 
Where  you  are  riding,  riding  on  your 

Gallant  boy,  Galahad !  [way, 
For  each  heart  is  filled  with  high  emotion. 
We  will  strive  to  copy  your  devotion; 

Comrades  dear,  never  fear ! 
We  will  follow,  follow. 

Follow  after  Galahad ! 

Strong  as  with  the  strength  of  ten, 

Go,  gallant  lad ! 
Heart  so  pure,  stroke  so  sure. 
For  your  sword  is  * 'bathed  in  heav'n," 

Sir  Galahad ! 
To  our  white-cross  flag  we  know  you're 
And  our  hearts  are  all  with  you,    [true, 

Our  Galahad ! 
Hail  the  King !  Shout  and  sing ! 
Here  we  pledge  ourselves  again 
Loyal  knights  and  gentle  men, 
Without  fear;  and  without  strain, 

Galahad ! 

CHORUS 


Copies  of  this  song  may  be  obtained 
from  headquarters.  Price  1  ct  each. 
No  orders  filled  for  less  than  lOcts. 


Now  is  the  time  for  the  semi-annual 
report.  We  desire  to  hear  promptly 
from  every  Castle  of  the  Order.  This  is 
especially  desirable  at  this  time  because, 
in  the  next  issue  of  "Work  With 
Boys"  we  intend  to  publish  a  list  of 
living  Castles,  which  shall  accurately 
represent  the  extent  of  our  Order  at 
the  present  time.  Therefore  we  appeal 
to  every  person,  who  receives  this  no- 
tice  to   attend    to   it  at  once. 


NEWS  FROM  CASTLES 

Camelot Castle  394,  Springfield,  Mass. , 
has  purchased  a  fine  equipment  of  dumb- 
bells, spears,  mats  and  regalia.  They 
have  helped  the  Springfield  Boys'  Club, 
withdumb-bells  and  pictures.  They  have 
given  "The  First  Quest"  very  success- 
fully, clearing  about  $30.  The  boys  are 
fond  of  all-night  hikes.  Leaving  home 
about  noon,  they  tramp  into  the  country 
to  the  shore  of  some  pond,  pitch  camp, 
build  a  wig-wam  and  spend  the  night. 
The  next  day  they  go  home. 

Castle  San  Grael,  582,  Bangor,  Me. , 
has  enjoyed  lectures  and  talks  on  various 
practical  topics,  locomotive  engineering, 
boot  and  shoe  making,  tanning,  candy- 
making,  steamboats,  science,  current 
events.  One  evening  a  physician 
brought  in  a  skeleton,  about  which  he 
talked.  The  baronet  of  this  Castle 
won  his  rank  by  rescuing  a  young  lady 
from  drowning. 

Castle  Shalott,  No.  52,  Cambridge, 
Mass.,  celebrated  its  Tenth  Anniversary 
on  Monday,  Dec.  23rd,  with  a  banquet 
and  reunion.  This  is  next  to  the  oldest 
living  Castle  and  one  of  the  best  of  our 
Order.  It  holds  its  members  until  they 
are  21. 

.  Castle  Grace,  484.  Providence,  R.  L, 
provides  that  each  boy  shall  remain 
about  one  year  in  each  degree.  This 
insures  proper  development  of  the  char- 
acte  required  for  advancement. 

Castle  Moffatt.  673,  Newark,  N.  J., 
has  done  such  good  work  that  the 
Trustees  of  the  church  have  become  in- 
terested, and  will  finish  off  a  room  for 
the  boys  to  use  for  meetings  and  recrea- 
tion. 

Pynchon  Castle,  433,  Springfield, 
Mass.,  has  spent  six  months  in  the 
study  of  Alaska,  and  found  it  very  in- 
teresting. They  have  two  strong  bas- 
ket-ball teams. 

Glamis  Castle,  694,  Spring  Forge, 
Pa.,  is  one  of  the  most  vigorous  of  the 
Order.     It  is  connected  with  the  Y.  M. 


King   Arthurs   Herald 


C.  A.,  and  is  madi^  the  central  pivot  of 
the  work  among  boys  done  by  the 
Association.  They  have  a  fine  manual 
training  work,  which  is  described  in  the 
January  issue  of  "Work  With  Boys." 
Castle  Tahoma,  499,  Tacoma,  Wash., 
has  a  unique  plan.  Each  boy,  when 
admitted  to  the  Castle  as  a  Page,  is 
allowed  to  choose,  or  if  desired  Merlin 
may  asign,  with  the  character  name,  a 
Crest.  This  is  embroidered  on  the  front 
of  his  helmet,  and  is  regularly  register- 
ed in  the  Castle  records.  When  he  be- 
comes an  Esquire,  he  is  given  a  shield, 
blank  except  for  the  Canton  of  the 
Order,  but  with  the  Crest  above  it  in 
proper  form.  This  escutcheon  is  nicely 
drawn  and  colored  on  card  5x7, 
framed  and  hung  on  the  Castle  wall 
over  his  seat.  When  he  is  knighted  the 
shield  is  no  longer  blank,  but  he  isgiven 
a  suitable  device,  by  order  of  Knights, 
which  is  his  coat-of-arms.  This  is  hung 
on  the  Castle  wall,  and  he  is  allowed  to 
have  a  copy  to  hang  in  his  room  athome. 
This  design  may  be  altered  as  he  obtains 
additional  honors,  so  that  his  record  is 
shown  on  the  shield.  For  instance  one 
knight,  whose  original  crest  was  a  Fir 
tree  proper,  was  allowed,  upon  being 
seated  in  the  Siege  Perilous,  to  make 
his  crest  "Out  of  a  Baron's  Coronet,  a 
Fir  tree  proper",  thus  putting  a  Cor- 
onet instead  of  the  customary  wreath, 
and  so  showing  the  honor  to  which  he 
has  attained.  This  Castle  subscribes 
for  18  coDies  of  the  HERALD. 


An  Incident 

We  were  in  a  Boston  store,  one  of 
the  proprietors  of  which  is  a  friend  of 
ours.  He  said,  "I  am  interested  in 
your  K.  0.  K.  A.  I  want  to  know  more 
about  it." 

' '  Why, ' '  I  replied,  *  'are  you  interest- 
ed?" 

"I  will  tell  you.  My  boy  is  a  great 
lover  of  foot-ball.  He  has  played  on 
his  school  team.  He  goes  to  all  the 
great. games.     We  have  season  tickets 


for  all  the  games  on  the  Harvard  Stad- 
ium. The  Saturday  of  the  Harvard- 
Dartmouth  game  found  all  excitement 
at  our  table.  Everybody  was  going, 
when  all  at  once  this  boy,  who  is  such 
an  enthusiast,  quietly  remarked  that 
he  had  another  engagement  for  the  aft- 
ernoon. All  were  amazed.  No  ques- 
tioning could  bring  any  further  informa- 
tion from  him  as  to  the  character  of  the 
engagement.  But  after  dinner,  when 
all  alone  with  me,  the  boy  said  *I  am 
to  be  initiated  into  the  K.  0.  K.  A  this 
afternoon. '  That  makes  me  think  the 
K.  O.  K.  A.  is  a  pretty  strong  thing, 
when  it  will  drag  a  lad,  who  loves  foot- 
ball from  one  of  the  best  contests  of 
the  season." 


Notices 


All  Merlins,  who  are  not  subscribers  to 
Work  With  Boys  will  certainly  want 
the  number  for  October,  1907,  which 
contains  the  finest  reading  lists  for  the 
Knights  that  have  ever  been  brought 
together.  Parents  and  teachers  will 
also  desire  the  lists  of  books  for  boys  to 
read.  The  boys  themselves  will  be  de- 
lighted with  lists  of  books  for  a  boy's 
own  library.  Send  25  cts  to  headquart- 
ers for  a  copy. 

The  General  Alliance  of  Workers 
with  Boys  will  hold  a  conference  at  the 
Fall  River  Boys'  Club,  on  Tuesday,  Feb. 
18th,  to  which  all  Merlins  and  others 
interested  in  boys  are  cordially  invited. 
This  Alliance  is  composed  of  represent- 
atives of  all  types  of  workers  with  boys. 
Judge  Lindsey,  of  Denver,  will  give 
the  address  at  the  eyening  meeting. 

HuIIoa! 

An  early  issue  of  the  HERALD  will 
be  devoted  to  Castle  Cheers.  Send  in 
at  once  your  dizziest  productions  in  this 
realm  of  art.  Send  them  on  postal  cards. 
We  know  some  of  them  are  so  strong 
that  they  will  burst  an  ordinary  envel- 
ope, if  too  closely  confined.     Send  them 


List  of  New  Castles 


No. 


Name 


918- Good  Luck 

919— All  Saints 

923— Norumbega 

926-Kalo 

955-Of  Good  Hope 

957-Camelot 

960 — Percivale 

961 -Wesley 

962- Columbus 

963- Wakefield 

974— Stonehenge 

990— Advent 

991— Lincoln 

992-Excalibur 

993— Waldensian 

994- Wm.  Robinson 

995— Christian 

996— St.  Mary's 

997— Shalott 

998 -St.  Andrew's 

999- St.  John's 

1000— Stirling 

1001— Loup 

1002— St.  Paul 

1003— Trinity 

1005— Field 

1006— Camelot 

1007— Flint 

1008- Sterling 

1009— Illinois-  Lincoln 

1010— Frederick 

1012-Burritt 

1013-Oxford 

1014— Philadelphia 

1016— Warwick 

1017— Roxborough 

1019— Ripley 

1020-Roycrofter,  No.  3 

1022 -Aberdeen 

1023— Longfellow 

1024-Galahad 

1025— Templestone 

1027- Emmanuel 

1028— Fearless 

1029— Ethan  Allen 


Connected  with 

Universalist 

Episcopal 

Methodist 

Presbyterian 

Presbyterian 

Wesley  House 

Congregational 

Methodist 

Congregational 

Baptist 

Baptist 

Episcopal 

Presbyterian 

Congregational 

Baptist 

Congregational 

Christian 

Episcopal 

Presbyterian 

Episcopal 

Episcopal 

Universalist 

Methodist 

Episcopal 

Episcopal 

Congregational 

Methodist 

Episcopal 

Congregational 

Neighborhood  House 

Methodist 

Stanley  Memorial 

Congregational 

Baptist 

Methodist 

Methodist 

Congregational 

Baptist 

Free  Baptist 

Methodist 

Park  Church 

Episcopal 

Village 

Episcopal 


Place 

Middletown,  N.  Y. 
Omaha,  Neb. 
Waltham,  Mass. 
Rensselaer,  Ind. 
Cottage  Grove,  Wis. 
Loaisville.  Ky. 
WilHmantic,  Conn. 
Somersworth,  N.  H. 
Boston,  Mass. 
Wakefield,  Mass. 
Dayton,  Ohio. 
Pittsburg,  Pa. 
Springfield,  1)1. 
Warren,  Mass. 
Detroit,  Minn. 
Southington,  Conn. 
Chagrin  Falls,  Ohio. 
East  Boston,  Mass, 
Loup  City,  Neb. 
Nashville,  Tenn. 
Charlestown,  Mass, 
Potsdam,  N.  Y. 
Loup  City,  Neb. 
Greenville,  Ohio. 
Duluth,  Minn. 
Bangor,  Me. 
Muncie,  Ind. 
Cleveland,  Ohio. 
Gasport,  N.  Y. 
Champaign,  111. 
Irasburg,  Vt. 
New  Britain,  Conn. 
Russellville,  Ark. 
Fort  Worth,  Texas. 
Newburyport,  Mass. 
Meadville,  Pa. 
Hawley,  Pa. 
Pueblo,  Colo. 
W.  Somerville,  Mass. 
Portland,  Me. 
Brooklyn,  N.  Y. 
Hornell,  N.  Y. 
St.  Louis,  Mich. 
Magnolia,  Mass. 
Montpelier,  Vt. 


Castles  are  numbered  as  orders  for  outfits  or  applications  for  Charters  are 
received.  Numbers  skipped  in  above  list  show  that  outfits  have  been  sold  but 
that  name  of  Castle  has  not  been  selected.  These  will  be  printed  as  soon  as 
name  is  selected,     [The  first  eleven  were  omitted  in  last  month's  list.] 


,y^\?>^^ 


Vol.  1 


ICmg  Artl|ur*0  If^rali 


POTSDAM,  N.  Y.,  JANUARY  15,  1908 


No.  4 


OFFICIAL  ORGAN   OF  THE   KNIGHTS  OF  KING   ARTHUR 


Group  from  Castle  Perilous,  No.  563.  K.  O.  K.  A.,  Grandin,  Missouri 


The   Problem   of  Success 

We  sometimes  think  the  only  problems  of  life  are  found  in  connection  with 
weakness,  failure,  incompetency.  But  every  man,  who  is  conducting  a  prosperous 
business,  who  sees  a  constantly  increasing  demand  for  his  goods,  realizes  that  his 
very  success  brings  serious  problems  before  him.  More  business  demands  more 
capital,  larger  equipment,  more  reserve,  increased  help,  all  of  which  character- 
istics of  growth  present  problems,  frequently  most  difficult  to  solve. 

Just  such  a  problem  confronts  the  K.  O.  K.  A.  to-day. 

Fifteen  years  ago,  when  Dr.  Forbush  started  his  first  Castle,  he  had  to  think 
only  of  the  small  group  of  boys  with  which  he  was  working.  He  had  no  letters 
to  write,  no  correspondence  to  attend  to,  no  business  details  to  care  for.  But  the 
very  success  of  that  first  little  Castle,  changed  all  the  conditions  of  his  life. 
Other  people  heard  of  his  work,  and  demanded  to  know  of  it.  It  was  impossible 
to  personally  answer  all  the  letters,  so  he  found  a  publisher,  who  would  print  his 
small  descriptive  pamphlet. 

Eight  years  later,  the  one  Castle  had  been  multipUed  by  133,  the  correspond- 
ence had  increased,  and  while  all  the  business  details  were  cared  for  by  the  pub- 
lishers, Dr.  Forbush  found  it  necessary  to  call  me  to  his  assistance.  I  was  to 
reply  to  inquiries  and  enroll  Castles.  During  the  first  year  I  did  not  have  much 
to  do.     Letters  came  occasionally,  and  fifty  Castles  were  enrolled.) 

In  1905  the  publishers  dropped  the  business,  and  it  became  necessary,  if  the 
K.  O.  K.  A.  was  to  continue,  that  I  should  assume  this  side.  It  will  be  appreciat- 
ed that  this  added  very  much  to  the  work.  It  involved  all  the  financing,  the  print- 
ing of  all  kinds,  the  manufacture   of  badges,  etc.     During  these  nearly  15   years 


King  Arthur's  herald 

the  K.  0.  K.  A.  has  continued  to  grow.     Let  us  see  what  was  involved  in    caring 
for  the  interests  of  the  organization  during  the  year  1907. 

Letters  have  been  received  from  over  1200  different  persons,  and  from  some 
of  these  persons  many  letters  This  does  not  include  letters  which  did  not  require 
indexing.  During  the  month  of  November  the  mail  averaged  more  than  20  let- 
ters a  day. 

During  the  year  279  Castles  were  registered,  bringing  the  total  to  1066.  This 
is  the  largest  number  organized  in  any  one  year.  It  makes  the  K.  0.  K.  A.  the 
largest  organization  of  its  kind  in  the  world. 

10,000  circulars,  1,000  handbooks,  20,000  cards  for  ritual  and  initiation  1,000 
sterling  badges,  and  4,000  celluloid  badges,  besides  61  books  of  various  kinds  have 
been  sent  out  from  headquarters. 

All  this  work  has  been  done  in  the  intervals  that  could  be  snatched  from  a 
life  that  is  already  quite  fully  occupied  with  duties  having  prior  claim.  We  have 
reached  the  limit  of  what  can  be  accomplished  in  this  way. 

It  is  apparent  to  all  those  acquainted  with  the  situation  that  the  K.  O.  K.  A. 
demands  the  entire  time  and  strength  of  some  person.  The  plan  has  justified  it- 
self in  the  practical  experience  of  hundreds  of  workers.  It  has  the  endorsement 
of  many  competent  critics  and  observers.  There  is  no  question  that  it  is  the  best 
plan  for  reaching  boys  yet  devised  for  the  church,  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  the  pubhc 
school,  for  every  condition  and  situation  in  life.  It  is  the  only"  plan  that  can  be 
used  by  denominations  of  every  name.  It  is  now  in  use  in  the  most  conservative 
and  the  most  radical  churches,  and  in  all  with  success  and  satisfaction. 

The  K.  O.  K.  A.  is  a  success! 

Its  success  presents  a  problem. 

The  problem  is  this— can  we  now  raise  the  money  to  support  the  central  office? 
Can  we  raise  the  money  to  employ  all  the  time,  strength  and  endeavor  of  one 
person.  ? 

Last  year  we  issued  an  appeal  to  the  Castles  for  a  voluntary  contribution  of 
ten  cents  per  capita  for  extension  of  the  Order.  Here  is  the  result.  39  Castles 
and  5  individuals  contributed  $81.60 

It  is  advised  by  Merlins,  who  have  been  together  at  Philadeplhia,  Boston  and 
other  places"  that  this  appeal  be  renewed  again  for  the  current  year.  Therefore 
we  hereby  ask  all  Castles  to  contribute  ten  cents  per  capita  for  their  membership 
on  Jan.  1st,  1908;  the  same  to  be  paid,  as  soon  as  possible,  but  not  later  than 
May  1st. 

But  in  addition  to  the  amount  contributed  by  the  Castles,  we  must  ask  others 
interested  in  the  K.  O.  K.  A  ,  or  boys'  work  to  contribute  to  the  Extension  Fund 
of  the  Order. 

We  ought  to  have  for  the  support  of  the  Central  Office,  for  the  year  1908,  not 
less  than  $1500.00.  With  this  amount  of  money  the  entire  time  of  a  competent 
leader  could  be  given  to  this  work. 

We  therefore  appeal  to  all  members  of  the  K.  0.  K.  A.,  to  all  our  friends,  to 
everybody  interested  in  the  extension  of  Christ's  kingdom  in  the  hearts  and  lives 
of  the  boys  to  contribute  to  the  Extension  Fund  of  the  Order. 

We  will  promptly  receipt  for  all  monies  contibuted  to' this  fund,  and  at  the  end 
of  the  year  will  have  the  account  audited  by  competent  persons  and  a  report  in 
detail  sent  to  all  contributors. 

For  the  Knights  of  King  Arthur 

PEN  DRAGON. 


King  Arthur's  herald 


Our  Castle  Song 


Mary  Chandler  Jones.  Uueen  of  Avilion,  Vert. 
TuNi:— "Watch  on  tub  Rhink" 

There  is  a  call  that  rinjfs  and  sfrows 
Across  the  land,  from  sea  to  sea, — 

King-  Arthur's  Knights  against  his  foes! 
For  honor  and  for  chivalry! 

CHORUS 

Our  order!     Here  we   pledge  anew 
Allesriance  steadfast,  brave  and  true. 
Our  vows  shall  never,  never  be  forgot 
Together  now— K.  O.  K.  A.    Shalott! 

The  tourney  and  the  joust  are  done. 
The  clang  of  arms  we  hear  no  more; 

Yet  there  are  conquests  to  be  won. 
Crusades  to  follow  as  of  yore. 

CHORUS 

When  each  shall  set  his  lance  in  rest. 

In  after  years  and  far  away. 
It  shall  be  still  the  King's  high  ciuest. 

The  royal  battle,  day  by  day! 

CHORUS 

So,  brothers  of  our  Table  Round, 

It  shall  be  true  which  here  we  sing. 

In  hand  and  heart  together  bound 

We'll  face  the  foe  and  serve  the  King! 

CHORUS 

N  EWS 

Just  watch  us  growing  ! 

47  new  Castles  registered  in  Decem- 
ber. 

279  Castles  registered  in  1907,  our 
best  year, 

Kenil worth  Castle,  935,  Atlanta,  Ind., 
has  a  membership  of  25,  and  a  large 
waiting  list.  The  boys  are  wild  about 
it.  While  supposed  to  be  connected 
with  the  public  schools,  and  under  the 
leadership  of  the  Town  Superintendent, 
no  school  authority  is  used  inmanaging 
it.  "We  find  we  are  able  to  empha- 
size the  moral  and  religious  side  as  well 
as,  if  not  better,  than  if  connected 
with  a  church.  The  people  say  they 
can  tell  a  member  of  the  K.  0.  K.  A. 
when  they  meet  him  on  the  street." 

The  Rev.  Asbury  Kron,  of  the  Ben- 
eficent Congregational  Church,  Provi- 
dence, R.  L,  write,  "We  have  a  flour- 
ishing Castle.     It  has    been  limited    to 


25,  but  we  have  just  raised  the  limit  to 
30.  It  certainly  is  a  great  scheme  and 
I  find  as  much  pleaaure  in  it  as  do  the 
boys. 

Notices 

The  General  Alliance  of  Workers  with 
Boys  will  hold  a  conference  at  the  Fall 
River  Boys'  Club,  on  Tuesday,  Feb. 
18th,  to  which  all  Merlins  and  others 
interested  in  boys  are  cordially  invited. 
This  Alliance  is  composed  of  represent- 
atives of  all  types  of  workers  with 
boys.  Judge  Lindsey,  of  Denver,  will 
give  the  address  at  the  evening  meet- 
ing. 

The  Federated  Boys'  Clubs,  will  hold 
a  Conference  at  Pawtucket,  on  Wednes- 
day, Feb.  19.  An  interesting  program 
is  announced  All  interested  in  work 
with  boys  are  invited  to  attend  the 
meeting  which  will  be  held  at  the  Boys' 
Club. 

King  Arthurs  Herald 

You  have  now  seen  several  copies  of 
the  Herald.  What  do  you  think  of  it? 
Is  it  what  the  Order  wants?  Of  course 
you  will  say  we  would  like  something 
larger  and  more  comprehensive.  Yes, 
so  do  I.  But  you  must  remember  that 
the  Order  has  no  funds,  no  endowment, 
no  wealthy  persons  standing  behind  to 
make  up  deficiencies.  Therefore  we 
cannot  have  a  big  paper.  But  do  you 
want  to  have  the  small  paper  as  a  be- 
ginning? If  so  send  in  vour  subscrip- 
tions at  once.  Until  we  have  a  sub- 
scription list  we  cannot  ask  for  admis- 
sion to  the  mails  at  second  class  rates. 
As  soon  as  we  secure  that  privilege  the 
expense  of  sending  out  the  issues  will 
be  reduced.  Up  to  the  present  time 
we  have  been  able  to  finance  the  Order 
and  make  it  pay  for  its  supplies.  We 
want  to  do  the  same  with  the  Herald. 
To  do  this  we  must  have  500  subscrip- 
tions. This  means  more  than  a  single 
one  from  a  Castle.  We  want  every 
boy  to  subscribe. 


No. 


Name 


LIST   OF    NEW   CASTLES 

Connected  with  Place 


984— Trinity 

989— Edinburgh 
1015— Windsor 
1021 -Fitzgerald 
1030-Merrill 
1034- Perilous 
1036- Friendship 
1037— Warwick 
1038- Galahad 
1039 -St.  Luke's 
1041 — Cragmar 
1045— McKinley 
1046- St.  Peter's 
1047-Ballantyne 
1048-Twentieth  Century 
1049-Joplin 
1050— Marshall 
1051— St.  Paul's 
1054— Crescent 
1055- Knox 

1056- George  E.  Taylor 
1058-Galahad 
1059 — Newbegin 
1060-Camelot 
1061— Roosevelt 
1062— Roycrofter,  No.  4 
1063— Aberdeen 
1064— Columbia 
1066- Lancelot 
1068-Carlisle 

1069— Green  Mountain  Boys 
1072-Ivanhoe 
1074— Leominster 
1075- Pilgrim 
1076— Luther 
1077— Goffe 
1079— Paul  Revere 


Episcopal 

Congregational 

Christian 

Methodist 

Congregational 

Y.  M.  C.  A. 

Boys'  Brotherhood 

Boys'  Brotherhood 

Universalist 

Episcopal 

Congregational 

Methodist 

Episcopal 

Methodist 

Y.  M.  C.  A. 

Christian 

Methodist 

Episcopal 

Methodist 

Presbyterian 

Congregational 

Episcopal 

Episcopal 

Methodist 

Congregational 

Methodist 

United  Brethren 

Congregational 

Episcopal 

Congregational 

Methodist 

Baptist 

Congregational 

Y.  M.  C.  A. 

Congregational 


Roslyn,  N.  Y. 
Mattoon,  111. 
Lima,  Ohio. 
Toledo,  O. 
Bangor,  Me. 
Watertown,  N.  Y. 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Philadelphia,  Pa. 
Sangerville,  Me. 
Hastings,  Minn. 
St.  Johnsb'y  Center,  Vt 
Vulcan,  Mich. 
Uniontown,  Pa. 
McKeesport,  Pa. 
Mason  City,  Iowa 
Joplin.  Mo. 
Reading,  Mass. 
Paterson,  N.  J. 
Somerset,  Ky. 
Scranton,  Pa. 
Syracuse,  Nebraska. 
Newell,  Iowa. 
Bangor,  Maine. 
Augusta,  Maine. 
Orion,  Mich. 
Pueblo,  Colo. 
Meadville,  Pa. 
Columbia,  Pa. 
East  Auburn,  Calif. 
Stillwater,  Minn, 
Essex  Junct,  Vt. 
Bernardsville,  N.  J. 
Leominster,  Mass. 
Berlin,  N.  H. 
Jersey  City,  N.  J. 
New  Haven,  Conn. 
Solon,  Maine. 


The  International  Order 

Founder  and  Mage  Merlin, 

William  Byron  Forbush,  Ph.  D. 

All  inquiries,  reports,  orders, 

should  be  addressed  to 

Sir  Pendragon 

Frank  Lincoln  Masseck, 

Potsdam,  N.  Y. 

King  Arthur's  Herald  25c  per  year 


The  endorsements  given  the  K.  O. 
K.  A.  by  Marion  Lawrence  and  other 
leaders  in  religious  and  philanthropic 
work  are  commending  the  organization 
to  many  new  people.  Articles  that 
have  recently  appeared  in  the  Christ- 
ian Herald  and  the  Living  Church 
have  brought  in  numerous  inquiries.  If 
you  can  have  printed  in  any  periodical 
a  good  word  for  the  Order,  just  do  it, 
and  do  it  now. 


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